Awarded to non-commissioned officers and men for exceptional valour, courage or devotion to duty while flying in active operations against the enemy.

First established

3 June 1918 (Gazette supplement 30723).

WW1 recipient

Sgt Ronald Malcolm Fletcher, RAF, gazetted 2 November 1918

‘A most efficient and keen observer, in whom his pilots place implicit confidence. He has taken part in numerous combats with enemy aircraft, and invariably displays marked fearlessness and skill. He has personally accounted for seven enemy machines since 21st May.’ (Gazette supplement 30989)

Fletcher was teamed with pilot Samuel Frederick Henry ‘Siffy’ Thompson (MC, DFC), in a formidable partnership, destroying in number the equivalent of more than an entire German fighter squadron. He returned to service in WW2.