DAF Form 2268: Medal of Honor (Restricted) Download

DAF Form 2268: Medal of Honor (Restricted) Download – The Medal of Honor (MOH) stands as the United States’ highest military decoration, awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in combat. For members of the Department of the Air Force (DAF)—including the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force—nominations for this prestigious award use DAF Form 2268, officially titled Medal of Honor (restricted).

This form supports the rigorous, high-level review process for the nation’s top valor award. It is designated as restricted due to the sensitive, pre-decisional nature of MOH recommendations.

What Is DAF Form 2268?

DAF Form 2268 serves as the specific nomination or supporting document for Medal of Honor recommendations within the Department of the Air Force awards program. It appears in official DAF publications, including DAFMAN 36-2806 (Awards and Decorations), which governs criteria and processing for DAF awards and applies to Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and Space Force members.

The “restricted” designation reflects strict handling protocols. MOH nominations are treated as deliberative and pre-decisional. They are often marked and handled as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) until the President announces the final decision. Premature public disclosure or discussion with the nominee is prohibited to protect the integrity of the process.

Note: This is distinct from general decoration recommendations (often using DAF Form 1206 or similar) and from older AF Form numbering. DAF Form 2268 is specifically tied to the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor Nomination Process in the Department of the Air Force

The path to a Medal of Honor is exceptionally demanding and follows strict statutory timelines and multi-level reviews:

  1. Initiation: Recommendations typically begin at the unit or command level as soon as possible after the heroic act. Nominations should enter official channels within 3 years of the act and result in an award within 5 years (with limited statutory waivers possible under 10 U.S.C. provisions).
  2. Chain of Command Review: The packet moves through commanders, with advanced notification often required to AFPC/DP3SP and relevant Air Component personnel offices for guidance and support.
  3. Higher-Level Boards: For the MOH, the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council (SAFPC) and associated boards (such as the SAFDB) review recommendations. The process involves detailed justification, eyewitness accounts, and verification of extraordinary heroism.
  4. Secretary of the Air Force (SecAF) and DoD/White House: Approved DAF recommendations go forward for Secretary of the Air Force endorsement and further DoD-level review before reaching the President for final approval.

Key references include DAFI 36-2803 (Military Decorations and Awards Program) and DAFMAN 36-2806, which detail processing, time limits, and coordination requirements. For combat-related actions or joint environments, additional concurrence may be needed.

MOH recipients (and in some cases their congressional delegations) receive formal notification. Approved awards may include engraving on the medal (for living recipients) and other entitlements, such as a special flag and potential retirement pay increases for enlisted members.

Why the Form Is Restricted?

Because the Medal of Honor represents the absolute pinnacle of military recognition, the nomination process demands the highest level of discretion. Leaks can compromise investigations, affect morale, or create false expectations. DAF guidance explicitly states that MOH recommendations are exempt from premature public release. Only official announcements from the White House or DoD confirm awards.

This restricted status applies to the form itself and associated documentation, ensuring the process remains fair, thorough, and protected from external influence.

How to Access DAF Form 2268? (Official Sources)

Authorized Department of the Air Force personnel access DAF forms through official channels on the Air Force e-Publishing website (www.e-publishing.af.mil). The form is listed in DAFMAN 36-2806 alongside other restricted MOH-related documents, such as DAF Form 3501 (Medal of Honor Travel and Identification Card).

Official download links (provided for reference; always verify current versions on e-Publishing):

Important: These documents are for official use. Unauthorized distribution or use violates DAF policy. Only personnel involved in the awards process should handle DAF Form 2268. Contact your local Military Personnel Section, AFPC/DP3SP ([email protected]), or command awards office for guidance.

For the full regulatory context, download the latest DAFMAN 36-2806 directly from the e-Publishing site.

The Medal of Honor sits above the Air Force Cross (second-highest for valor) and other decorations. The DAF awards program emphasizes timely recognition at appropriate levels while reserving the MOH for truly singular acts of bravery. Lower-level valor awards use different forms and approval chains.

Congressional interest often plays a role in historical reviews or time-waiver cases under 10 U.S.C. § 1130, but current nominations follow the standard command-driven process.

Honoring True Heroes

The Medal of Honor embodies the core values of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force—integrity, service, and excellence under extreme conditions. DAF Form 2268 supports the meticulous documentation required to ensure only the most deserving actions receive this rare honor.

If you are a commander, supervisor, or staff member involved in an awards package, consult your chain of command and the latest DAFMAN 36-2806/DAFI 36-2803 for detailed procedures. For questions about the form or process, reach out to AFPC/DP3SP.

Sources: Official Department of the Air Force publications, including DAFMAN 36-2806 (2022 with updates) and DAFI 36-2803, available via e-Publishing.af.mil. Always reference the most current versions on the official .mil site for compliance.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official DAF guidance. For nomination assistance, contact appropriate military channels.