DAF Form 2247A: Distinguished Flying Cross Achievement

DAF Form 2247A: Distinguished Flying Cross Achievement – The DAF Form 2247A serves as the official Department of the Air Force (DAF) recommendation form for the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for Achievement. It features two signature lines and recognizes extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force personnel (including Active Duty, Reserve, and Air National Guard) use this specialized form to nominate deserving aviators and aircrew for one of the oldest and most prestigious military decorations.

What Is the Distinguished Flying Cross?

Congress authorized the Distinguished Flying Cross on July 2, 1926 (amended by Executive Order 7786 on January 8, 1938). It was first awarded to Capt. Charles A. Lindbergh for his historic solo transatlantic flight in 1927. The DFC honors any officer or enlisted member of the U.S. Armed Forces who distinguishes themselves by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. The act or achievement must be entirely distinctive and involve operations that are not routine.

The DFC recognizes both:

  • Heroism (often associated with the “V” device for valor in direct combat with enemy forces and personal risk).
  • Extraordinary achievement (non-routine airmanship, skill, or performance in flight that sets the individual apart from peers).

DAF Form 2247A specifically supports the Achievement version, distinguishing it from combat-valor focused variants. Subsequent awards use oak leaf clusters (or stars for certain services). The Combat “C” device (effective 2016) may apply when the achievement occurs under combat conditions without meeting full valor criteria.

Purpose of DAF Form 2247A (Two Signature Lines)

This form documents the formal recommendation for the DFC (Achievement). The “Two Signature Lines” design streamlines the process by providing dedicated spaces for the recommending official and a higher-level endorser or approver in the chain of command. It ensures clear accountability and proper routing for approvals, which may be delegated to wing or delta commanders for non-valor DFC Achievement cases.

Key uses include:

  • Single acts of exceptional airmanship, flight leadership, or technical skill in non-routine aerial operations.
  • Achievements involving great danger or uncertainty that clearly exceed normal duty expectations.
  • Supporting documentation such as a detailed narrative justification, eyewitness statements, flight records, and a proposed citation.

Note: This form is not for sustained operational activities or routine flights. The Air Medal typically recognizes lower-level meritorious aerial achievement. For heroism in direct combat (with “V” device), use the related DAF Form 2251A (Distinguished Flying Cross (Heroism) (Two Signature Lines)).

DAF Form 2247A vs. Other DFC Forms

  • DAF Form 2247A — DFC (Achievement) — Focuses on extraordinary, non-routine achievement in aerial flight.
  • DAF Form 2251A — DFC (Heroism) — Emphasizes acts of heroism, often in combat conditions with higher risk.
  • Older AF Forms (pre-DAF transition) — Similar numbering existed; current DAFMAN 36-2806 governs the updated forms.

Recommendations must meet strict time limits: Enter into official channels within 3 years of the act/achievement, and award within 5 years. Submit as soon as possible—ideally within 90 days—for best results. All service after the act must remain honorable.

How to Submit a DFC Recommendation Using DAF Form 2247A?

  1. Prepare the Package — Complete DAF Form 2247A with supporting documents (narrative, 2+ eyewitness statements, flight logs, proposed citation).
  2. Chain of Command Review — Route through the supervisor/recommender, first sergeant/senior enlisted advisor (for enlisted), and commander.
  3. Approval — Depending on level, approval may occur at wing/delta command or higher (e.g., MAJCOM/FLDCOM or Secretary of the Air Force Decorations Board for complex cases). Valor-related DFC often requires higher scrutiny.
  4. Processing — Use myDecs application where applicable or official channels. AFPC/DPSTTC handles many high-level awards.
  5. Presentation — Once approved, the award updates in MILPDS, and the certificate/medal is presented.

Refer to DAFMAN 36-2806, Military Awards: Criteria and Procedures (27 October 2022, Incorporating Change 3, 13 August 2025) for detailed guidance on preparation, submission, and cancellation of recommendations. This manual implements DAFPD 36-28 and DAFI 36-2803.

Important: Only uniformed DAF members (Air Force and Space Force) qualify. Foreign military members in equivalent grades O-6 and below may be eligible in specific combat-support contexts.

Download the latest official versions directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site:

Always verify the most current form and instructions on the official Air Force e-Publishing website (www.e-publishing.af.mil), as forms and procedures can be updated. Check DAFMAN 36-2806 for the full regulatory context.

Tips for a Strong DFC (Achievement) Nomination

  • Clearly demonstrate how the achievement was extraordinary and non-routine.
  • Provide quantifiable impact (e.g., mission success under extreme conditions, exceptional skill saving lives/aircraft, unprecedented airmanship).
  • Include strong, specific eyewitness accounts.
  • Align with criteria in DAFMAN 36-2806, Attachment 2 (Criteria for Personal Military Decorations).
  • Ensure the package highlights actions that set the nominee apart from comrades performing similar duties.

Commanders and supervisors at all levels bear responsibility for submitting only truly deserving nominations.

Need Help with DFC Recommendations?

For questions on processing, contact your local Military Personnel Flight (MPF), servicing FSS, or AFPC/DPSTTC (for higher-level awards). Units should consult the latest DAFMAN 36-2806 and DAFI 36-2803 for compliance.

The Distinguished Flying Cross remains a timeless symbol of excellence in American military aviation. Proper use of DAF Form 2247A ensures deserving Airmen and Guardians receive recognition for their extraordinary contributions to flight operations.

Sources: Official Department of the Air Force publications, including DAFMAN 36-2806 (current as of 2025 updates) and AFPC fact sheets. Always cross-reference the e-Publishing site for the most up-to-date information, as policies evolve.

This article is for informational purposes and does not replace official guidance. Consult your chain of command and current DAF directives before preparing any award recommendation.