The Distinguished Aviation Cross (DAC) is a military decoration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is presented for heroism or achievement during aerial operations.
Criteria The cross is awarded to personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who are serving with the Philippine Air Force or with the air components of the Philippine Army (e.g. the Army Aviation Regiment "Hiraya") or Philippine Navy (e.g. the Air Warfare Force, PN). The cross recognizes voluntary acts in the presence of significant danger, which go above and beyond the call of duty. The accomplishment must be of an exceptional and outstanding nature, as to set him apart from the recipient's comrades.
Appearance
Obverse The medal, golden in color, consists of various intertwined elements. A four-bladed aircraft propeller sits on a Maltese cross. The propeller-cross combo, in turn, sits on an eight-rayed sun reminiscent to the one depicted in the Philippine flag. All these now sit on an equilateral diamond.
Face value-wise, it has a resemblance to the American Distinguished Flying Cross.
Reverse The words "DISTINGUISHED" and "AVIATION CROSS" are written at the back of the medal in two lines, respectively.
Symbolism and Significance Propeller - aviation, and aerial flight
Maltese cross - the risk of life displayed in the face of the enemy; accomplishment of an extraordinary achievement while in aerial flight
Sun - the deed for the good of the nation (i.e. the Philippines)
Diamond - the aerial formation of a flight of planes
Service Ribbon The cross is suspended from a blue ribbon with white edges. It has a red central stripe edged in gold.
Appurtenances Every subsequent award of the DAC to an individual shall be appurtenant with an Anahaw Leaf, and is awarded as follows:
Bronze Anahaw Leaf - for the first, second, third, and fourth succeeding award Silver Anahaw Leaf - for every fifth succeeding Bronze Anahaw Leaf Gold Anahaw Leaf - for every fifth Silver Anahaw Leaf
These devices are to be worn on the DAC's ribbon bar in dress uniforms, with the tips of the leaf pointed upward.
See also Awards and decorations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
References
Citations
Bibliography The AFP Adjutant General, AFP Awards and Decorations Handbook, 1995, 1997, OTAG.