DAF Form 2239A: Legion of Merit Certificate (2 Signatures)

DAF Form 2239A: Legion of Merit Certificate (2 Signatures) – The DAF Form 2239A is the official Department of the Air Force certificate used to present the Legion of Merit (LOM), a prestigious U.S. military decoration. It features two signature lines, making it suitable for approvals and presentations involving two senior officials, such as combinations involving the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF), Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF), or other designated signatories.

This form is part of the standardized set of DAF award certificates outlined in DAFMAN 36-2806, Awards and Decorations Program. It supports the formal recognition of exceptionally meritorious conduct and outstanding service by officers and enlisted members of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and, in certain cases, foreign nationals.

What Is the Legion of Merit?

The Legion of Merit (LOM) ranks as one of the U.S. military’s higher personal decorations. Established by an Act of Congress on July 20, 1942 (and amended in 1955), it recognizes:

  • Exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.
  • Service that is clearly exceptional, going well beyond the normal duties of the recipient’s grade, position, or experience.
  • Both combat and non-combat achievements (a “V” device may denote combat service for U.S. personnel).

It is typically awarded to colonels (O-6) and above, and occasionally to very senior enlisted members or officers in key leadership roles by exception. Approval authority generally rests with general/flag officers at the O-9 level or higher, or equivalent senior civilians.

The medal is seventh in the order of U.S. military award precedence, positioned after the Defense Superior Service Medal and before the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Purpose of DAF Form 2239A (Two Signature Lines)

DAF Form 2239A serves as the formal certificate that accompanies the physical Legion of Merit medal. The “two signature lines” version allows for dual authentication, which is common for high-level awards processed through headquarters or involving oversight by both operational and review board authorities.

  • DAF Form 2239 variants exist with different signature configurations (e.g., CSAF and SECAF lines or single-line versions).
  • The 2239A specifically provides flexibility for two signatories, often used when the Director, Air Force Review Boards Agency collaborates with the Commander, Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC), or similar pairings for awards approved by the Secretary of the Air Force Decorations Board.

These certificates are printed on high-quality stock and include spaces for the recipient’s name, rank, citation text, dates of service, and authorized signatures.

Who Uses DAF Form 2239A?

  • U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force personnel and units.
  • Force Support Squadrons (FSS) and Military Personnel Flights (MPF) responsible for processing decorations.
  • Higher headquarters (MAJCOM, NAF, DRU, FOA, Air Staff) preparing LOM recommendations.
  • The 811th Force Support Squadron for certain headquarters-level and general officer awards.

Note: A limit of approximately four Legion of Merit awards per career (including one at retirement) often applies for U.S. military personnel, with stricter guidelines for certain grades.

How to Obtain and Download DAF Form 2239A?

The most current and official versions of Department of the Air Force forms and manuals are available through the Air Force e-Publishing website (e-publishing.af.mil).

Direct download links for the physical certificate:

Always verify you are on the official e-publishing.af.mil domain when downloading. For the governing instruction, download the latest DAFMAN 36-2806 from the same site, which details the full awards and decorations program, certificate preparation, and approval workflows.

Unofficial template or sample sites may exist but should not replace official sources for actual submissions or presentations.

Filling Out and Processing the Legion of Merit Certificate

  1. Recommendation — Submit the award package through the chain of command using the appropriate recommendation format (often coordinated with AFPC/DPSID or equivalent).
  2. Approval — Once approved at the proper level (frequently involving the Secretary of the Air Force Decorations Board for certain cases), the certificate is prepared.
  3. Certificate Preparation — Use DAF Form 2239A. Enter accurate recipient details, a concise yet impactful citation, and the period of service. Obtain the required signatures on the two designated lines.
  4. Presentation — The completed certificate is presented with the medal during an appropriate ceremony.

Detailed formatting, citation writing guidelines, and processing timelines are covered in DAFMAN 36-2806. Units should consult their local awards and decorations specialist or AFPC for current templates and examples.

  • DAF Form 2239 — Legion of Merit (CSAF/SECAF or other single/dual variants).
  • DAF Form 2235A — Bronze Star Medal (two signature lines).
  • AFPC Legion of Merit Fact Sheet — Official background and criteria.
  • Full program guidance: DAFMAN 36-2806, Awards and Decorations Program.

Why Proper Documentation Matters?

Accurate use of the correct DAF Form 2239A ensures the award is officially recognized, properly recorded in the member’s personnel files, and eligible for wear on the uniform. Errors in certificate preparation can delay presentation or require rework at headquarters level.

For the most up-to-date policies, always refer to the latest revision of DAFMAN 36-2806 on the Air Force e-Publishing site, as award procedures can be updated.

Ready to download?
Access the official DAF Form 2239A and supporting documents here:
• PDF: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/etc/physical.pdf
• EPUB: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/etc/physical.epub

If you are preparing a Legion of Merit package, contact your servicing Military Personnel Flight or awards specialist for assistance with the full submission process.

This article is for informational purposes and references publicly available Department of the Air Force publications and fact sheets as of 2026. Policies and forms are subject to change; always confirm with official Air Force channels.