DAF Form 3501: Medal of Honor Travel & ID Card (2026) – DAF Form 3501: Medal of Honor Travel and Identification Card (Restricted) is a specialized document issued by the Department of the Air Force (DAF) to recognize the extraordinary service of Medal of Honor (MOH) recipients. This restricted form provides official identification and supports specific travel privileges, primarily space-available (Space-A) military air transportation for eligible recipients who are not on active duty or in retired status with standard military benefits.
The card, formally known as the Medal of Honor Travel and Identification Card, is referenced in official DAF publications such as DAFMAN 36-2806 (Awards and Decorations Program). It is signed by high-level authorities (historically including the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force in older guidance) and serves as proof of the recipient’s status for accessing designated military privileges.
What Is DAF Form 3501 Used For?
DAF Form 3501 functions as both an identification card and a travel authorization document tailored for Medal of Honor recipients. Key purposes include:
- Official Identification: Verifies the holder’s status as a Medal of Honor recipient, granting access to certain military facilities, morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) activities, commissary, exchange (PX/BX), and theater privileges (consistent with DoD policy for MOH recipients).
- Travel Privileges: Primarily enables Space-A (space-available) travel on military aircraft. MOH recipients typically receive favorable priority (often Category III or equivalent), higher than many other eligible travelers, allowing them and sometimes eligible family members to fly on DOD flights when seats are available. This benefit helps recipients attend commemorative events, speaking engagements, or personal travel without full commercial costs.
- Support for Benefits: Complements the standard Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (such as DD Form 2765 or Next Generation USID cards) issued to MOH recipients. The DAF Form 3501 is specifically noted as “restricted” and focused on travel/ID aspects within the Air Force context.
Note: This form is distinct from the general military ID cards issued through DEERS/RAPIDS systems. MOH recipients are explicitly eligible for DoD ID cards that provide base access, commissary/exchange privileges, and TRICARE eligibility (depending on status). The DAF 3501 serves a more targeted role in the awards and travel ecosystem.
Who Is Eligible for DAF Form 3501?
Eligibility is limited to recipients of the Medal of Honor, the U.S. military’s highest award for valor in action against an enemy force. This includes:
- Living Medal of Honor recipients from any U.S. military branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force where applicable).
- Recipients who are not on active duty and may not qualify for standard retiree ID cards.
The card helps ensure these national heroes receive recognition and practical support for travel and identification. Dependents of MOH recipients may also qualify for related privilege cards under DoD rules.
Important: The form is marked “restricted,” meaning distribution and use are controlled and limited to authorized personnel and official purposes.
How to Obtain or Access DAF Form 3501?
- Issuance: The card is issued through official Department of the Air Force channels as part of the awards process or upon request by eligible recipients. Coordination typically occurs via the Air Force Personnel Center, awards offices, or appropriate service branch equivalents for non-Air Force recipients.
- Download Links (for reference only): Official versions may be available via Air Force e-Publishing at the provided links:
These links point to physical/electronic copies; always verify through the official e-Publishing.af.mil site for the most current, authorized version, as forms can be updated. Do not use unofficial copies for any official purpose.
Recipients or their representatives should contact their branch’s personnel or awards office for issuance. For general military ID cards (which MOH recipients are also eligible for), visit a RAPIDS ID card office or use the online ID Card Office locator at idco.dmdc.osd.mil.
Broader Benefits for Medal of Honor Recipients
Beyond DAF Form 3501, MOH recipients receive significant national recognition and benefits under U.S. law and DoD policy:
- Special Monthly Pension: A tax-free pension (recently increased by legislation to support travel and public engagement costs).
- Commissary, Exchange, and MWR Access: Full privileges for the recipient and eligible family members.
- Space-A Travel Priority: Enhanced access to military flights.
- Base Access and Parking: Priority or designated spaces at military installations.
- Health Care and Other Entitlements: Eligibility for TRICARE and VA benefits based on service history and disability ratings.
- Uniform and Other Allowances: In some cases, supplemental allowances for enlisted recipients.
These honors reflect the profound sacrifice and heroism recognized by the Medal of Honor.
Important Considerations (2026 Updates)
- Military ID card policies continue to evolve. Older-style cards may require replacement with Next Generation Uniformed Services ID (USID) cards for continued access. MOH recipients should ensure their credentials are current through official DEERS/RAPIDS channels.
- Space-A travel rules are subject to change based on mission requirements, so check current Joint Travel Regulations or AMC (Air Mobility Command) guidance.
- The form and associated privileges are governed by DoD and DAF instructions on awards (e.g., DAFMAN 36-2806) and identification cards. Always consult primary sources for the latest details.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on publicly available official sources. For personalized assistance, Medal of Honor recipients or their families should contact the Department of the Air Force, their respective service branch awards office, or the Medal of Honor Society. Policies can change; verify with authoritative government websites such as e-publishing.af.mil, militaryonesource.mil, or cac.mil.
For official downloads and guidance, visit the Air Force e-Publishing portal and search for related awards or identification publications. Honoring America’s Medal of Honor recipients preserves the legacy of courage that defines the U.S. Armed Forces.
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