DAF Form 2224C: Air & Space Commendation Medal Guide

DAF Form 2224C: Air & Space Commendation Medal Guide – The Air and Space Commendation Medal (ASCOM) recognizes outstanding achievement or meritorious service by members of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. Supervisors and commanders use DAF Form 2224C as the official recommendation form for this mid-tier decoration.

What Is the Air and Space Commendation Medal?

The Secretary of the Air Force authorized the medal (originally the Air Force Commendation Medal) on March 28, 1958. It honors members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves by meritorious achievement or service while serving with the Air Force after March 24, 1958. On November 16, 2020, the Department of the Air Force (DAF) renamed it the Air and Space Commendation Medal to reflect the joint Air and Space Force mission.

The medal is a bronze hexagon featuring the Air Force seal with an eagle, clouds, a shield with flyer’s wings, and lightning bolts. It is awarded to personnel below the grade of O-7 (Colonel or equivalent and below for foreign military). It sits below the Meritorious Service Medal and above the Air and Space Achievement Medal in the DAF awards hierarchy.

Authorized devices include:

  • Oak Leaf Clusters (for subsequent awards)
  • Combat “C” device (for exceptionally meritorious service under combat conditions)
  • Remote “R” device (for direct hands-on employment of weapon systems with immediate combat impact)
  • Valor “V” device (for acts of heroism in direct combat)

Eligibility Criteria for the Air and Space Commendation Medal

Eligibility requires distinctive meritorious achievement, meritorious service, or acts of courage that do not rise to the level of the Airman’s Medal or Bronze Star Medal. The degree of merit must be distinctive but not necessarily unique.

Common scenarios for award:

  • Sustained superior performance over a period (often tied to end-of-tour, PCS, or specific achievement)
  • Outstanding leadership, technical expertise, or mission impact
  • Acts of courage without voluntary risk of life required for higher heroism awards

The “C” device applies to actions on or after January 7, 2016, where the member faced hostile action or significant risk in combat operations. The “R” device recognizes remote but direct impact on operations. Approval authority is typically at the Colonel (O-6) level or higher, depending on local policy.

Note: The ASCOM may be awarded to members of other U.S. military departments permanently assigned to DAF units under specific conditions.

What Is DAF Form 2224C?

DAF Form 2224C is the prescribed two-signature-line form used to recommend the Air and Space Commendation Medal. It replaced or updated earlier versions of the Air Force Commendation Medal recommendation forms.

A companion form, DAF Form 2224D, is designated for use exclusively within the myDecs application (the DAF’s streamlined digital decorations system). Most recommendations for currently serving DAF members now route through myDecs Reimagined for faster processing.

The form captures essential details:

  • Nominee’s personal information
  • Period of service or achievement
  • Specific justification (bullets or narrative)
  • Recommendation and approval signatures

For detailed completion instructions, refer to the latest DAFMAN 36-2806, Awards and Memorialization Program, available on the official Air Force e-Publishing site.

How to Submit a Recommendation Using DAF Form 2224C?

  1. Gather supporting documentation — Include bullet statements highlighting impact, EPR/OPR excerpts, or mission metrics.
  2. Complete the form — Follow precise formatting for the citation (typically limited to 14 lines or fewer in Times New Roman 10-12 pt). Use strong action verbs and quantifiable results.
  3. Route through the chain — Submit via myDecs when possible for active-duty members, or use the physical DAF Form 2224C as directed by your unit.
  4. Timeline — Submit recommendations promptly after the act or period of service. Enter into official channels within 2 years and award within 3 years when possible.

Download official DAF Form 2224C:

Always verify the latest version on the Air Force e-Publishing website (www.e-publishing.af.mil), as forms and manuals are periodically updated.

Writing a Strong ASCOM Citation

Citations follow a standard format with an opening sentence, achievement narrative, and closing sentence. Example structure (adapted from official guidance):

“Technical Sergeant Jane Doe distinguished herself by outstanding meritorious service as [Duty Title], [Unit], [Location], from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this period, Sergeant Doe [specific impactful actions with results]… Her exceptional leadership and professional skill directly contributed to [unit/mission success]. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Doe reflect great credit upon herself and the United States Air Force/Space Force.”

Keep the narrative concise, specific, and results-oriented. Avoid vague language—focus on measurable impact.

Why the Air and Space Commendation Medal Matters?

This award boosts morale, supports promotion points (3 points for enlisted under the Air Force promotion system), and formally documents exceptional contributions. In today’s high-ops-tempo environment, it recognizes both traditional meritorious service and space-domain achievements.

For the most current policy, always consult:

  • DAFMAN 36-2806 (primary awards manual)
  • AFPC Fact Sheet on the Air and Space Commendation Medal
  • Your local Military Personnel Flight (MPF) or myDecs administrator

Ready to prepare a recommendation? Download DAF Form 2224C from the links above and review DAFMAN 36-2806 for full guidance. Contact your unit awards and decorations representative for assistance with myDecs or local approval processes.

This article provides general information based on official Department of the Air Force sources. Policies can change; verify all details with current DAF publications and your chain of command.