Definition

1. Noun:
   • A United States military decoration: The Distinguished Flying Cross is a specific award given by the United States Armed Forces.
   • Awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement: It is presented to any person who distinguishes themselves by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

Usage

• The Distinguished Flying Cross is a prestigious military honor.
• It is awarded for acts of valor during aerial combat or flight operations.
• The medal is often presented in formal ceremonies.

Examples

• The pilot received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery during the rescue mission.
• Her heroic actions in the damaged aircraft earned her the Distinguished Flying Cross.
• A ceremony was held to award the Distinguished Flying Cross to three crew members.

Advanced Usage

• "To be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross": To receive this decoration as an honor.
  • He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.
• "Distinguished Flying Cross recipient": A person who has received this award.
  • The event honored Distinguished Flying Cross recipients from past conflicts.

Variants and Related Words

• DFC: A common abbreviation for the Distinguished Flying Cross.
  • His citation for the DFC was read aloud.
• Medal: A more general term for a military or civil award.
• Decoration: Another general term for a badge or medal awarded as an honor.

Synonyms

• Aerial medal: A general term for a medal awarded for achievements in flight (note: this is a descriptive phrase, not an official title).
• Flight decoration: A general term for an award related to aviation service.

Notes

• The Distinguished Flying Cross is a specific, proper noun referring to a particular U.S. military award. It is always capitalized.
• It is distinct from similar awards in other countries, such as the British Distinguished Flying Cross.

Noun

1. a United States Air Force decoration for heroism while participating in an aerial flight