Awards and decorations of the Civil Air Patrol The awards and decorations of the Civil Air Patrol are " designed to recognize heroism , service , and program achievements " of members of the Civil Air Patrol ( CAP ) of the United States of America . The CAP is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force , and these awards are made to improve the " esprit de corps " of members . These awards are all worn in the form of medals or ribbons and all are considered civilian decorations . Civil Air Patrol regulations allow them to only be worn and displayed on appropriate CAP uniforms . In order to be considered for one of these awards , an individual must be a member in good standing of the Civil Air Patrol at the time of the act being recognized . There is a statute of limitations for these awards and all recommendations must be submitted within 2 years of the act being performed . It is possible for the next of kin of deceased persons to be presented awards to which a member was entitled , but which he or she did not receive . Award review boards are established at the region , wing , group , and squadron levels to consider recommendations for all awards and decorations . Decorations . Any Civil Air Patrol member may initiate a recommendation for the award of a decoration . Members initiating a recommendation must have knowledge of an act or service that merits recognition . Awards concerning commanders must be initiated at a higher command level or by the appointing authority for National Executive Committee ( NEC ) members . The authority to award decorations is vested in the NEC . The leader of the promotion and awards team of the NEC is authorized to approve all decorations in the name of the Committee . The Silver Medal of Valor , the Bronze Medal of Valor , and the Distinguished Service Medal are exceptions to this and must be approved by the full committee . Announcements of awarded decorations are made in personnel actions published by the CAP National Headquarters . Medals . Medal of Valor . The " Medal of Valor " is the highest decoration that can be awarded to members of the Civil Air Patrol . The Silver Medal of Valor is awarded to active CAP members for " distinguished and conspicuous heroic action , at the risk of life , above and beyond the call of normal duty . " The Bronze Medal of Valor is awarded to members for " distinguished and conspicuous heroic action where danger to self is probable and known . " The Chairman of the National Awards Review Board is authorized to approve this medal for the National Executive Committee . If there arises a case in which a member is credited with saving a human life , but where the act does not meet the criteria for either the Silver Medal of Valor or the Bronze Medal of Valor , the member is generally recommended for a Certificate of Recognition of Lifesaving . The award for both of these medals of valor consists of the medal and ribbon and a certificate that accompanies the decoration . A miniature medal is available for senior members to wear on their mess dress uniforms . Distinguished Service Medal . The " Distinguished Service Medal " of the Civil Air Patrol is awarded for " conspicuous performance of outstanding service in a duty of great responsibility where the position held and results obtained reflect upon the accomplishments and prestige of CAP on a national scale . " The duties for which this medal are awarded must be extremely difficult and of importance to the national mission of the CAP . This is the highest award for service given by the CAP . Any member may nominate deserving cadets or officers for the award . All nominations are approved by the CAP National Headquarters . If the act of service is deemed to be important at the region level or wing level , the member is generally recommended for the Exceptional Service Award or the Meritorious Service Award . This award consists of the medal itself along with a ribbon and certificate that accompanies the decoration . A miniature medal is available for senior members to wear on their mess dress uniforms . Other decorations . Exceptional Service Award . The " Exceptional Service Award " is presented to Civil Air Patrol members who provide " exceptionally outstanding service to CAP . . . while serving in any capacity with CAP . " The award regulations do make clear that the duty should carry the responsibility for completion of a major project at the region level or wing level . Any CAP member may nominate another cadet or officer for the exceptional service award , but the duty must involve the fulfillment of a duty that greatly benefits the region or wing . All nominations must be approved by the region commander This award does not come with a full - sized medal . It consists of a ribbon and a certificate that accompanies the decoration . A miniature medal is available for senior members to wear on their mess dress uniforms . Meritorious Service Award . The " Meritorious Service Award " is awarded for " outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of CAP . " The regulations are quite clear that the simply performing one ' s normal duties very well will not automatically qualify a member for this award . Instead , the award is meant for " achievements and services which are clearly outstanding and unmistakably exceptional , " though not worthy of the Distinguished Service Medal or the Exceptional Service Award . When the award is made to individuals who are part of an exceptionally successful group of CAP members , the regulation states that the Meritorious Service Award should be presented only to those members whose efforts were clearly integral to the success of the program . All nominations for this award must be approved by the region commander . Like the Exceptional Service Award , this award does not come with a full - sized medal . It consists of a ribbon and a certificate that accompanies the decoration . A miniature medal is available for senior members to wear on their mess dress uniforms . Commander ' s Commendation Award . The " Commander ' s Commendation Award " is presented to Civil Air Patrol members for " outstanding duty performance where achievements and services are clearly and unmistakably exceptional when compared to similar achievements and service of members of like rank and responsibility . " As in the case of the Meritorious Service Award , when an award is made to individuals who are part of an exceptionally successful group of CAP members , the regulation states that the Commander ' s Commendation Award should be presented only to those members whose efforts were clearly integral to the success of the program . The Commander ' s Commendation Award differs from the Exceptional Service Award and the Meritorious Service Award in that the former does not require the performance " achievements and services significantly above and beyond normal duty performance . " Nominations for this award may be approved by and the award may be presented by either a wing , region , or national commander . In each case , the award is slightly different depending on the authority by whom it is approved : If a CAP member is presented with multiple awards , a clasp is place to the left ( from the point of view of the wearer ) of a silver or bronze star . Only one star of each type will be worn on this award . Like the Exceptional Service Award and Meritorious Service Award , this commendation does not come with a full - sized medal . It consists of a ribbon and a certificate that accompanies the decoration . A miniature medal is available for senior members to wear on their mess dress uniforms . Achievement Award . The Civil Air Patrol ' s " Achievement Award " is given to a member when the circumstances of his or her performance are above and beyond those of the member ’ s peers , but are not sufficient enough to warrant a Commander ' s Commendation Award . The intent of the award is to empower wing and group commanders with the ability to recommend and present achievement awards locally . The official regulations state this the Achievement Award is " presented for outstanding service to the unit , group , or wing . " It may be approved by a group commander and , if a group structure does not exist for a given squadron , the wing commander may designate who has the authority to approve this award . Like the other decorations below the level of Distinguished Service Medal , this award does not come with a full - sized medal of its own . It consists of a ribbon and a certificate that accompanies the decoration . A miniature medal is available for senior members to wear on their mess dress uniforms . Certificate of Recognition for Lifesaving . The " Certificate of Recognition for Lifesaving " is awarded to members of the Civil Air Patrol " who save a human life , but do not meet the criteria for the Bronze [ Medal of Valor ] or Silver Medal of Valor . " A member may be awarded this decoration for participation in a transport mission of either blood or organs , in which case he or she is presented with a basic ribbon and a certificate that accompanies the decoration . A silver star is attached to the ribbon in recognition of lifesaving actions other than blood or organ transport which still do not meet the requirements of the higher awards . Subsequent awards are denoted by the addition of bronze and silver clasps to the ribbon . If more than three devices are authorized for wear on this ribbon , a second ribbon is worn to the left ( from the point of view of the wearer ) of the initial ribbon . If future awards reduce the total number of devices to three the second ribbon is removed . All nominations for this award must be approved by the relevant CAP wing commander . This award does not come with a full - sized medal of its own , though a miniature medal is available for senior members to wear on their mess dress uniforms . National Commander ’ s Unit Citation Award . The " National Commander ' s Unit Citation Award " was approved by the Civil Air Patrol ' s National Board at its March 2006 meeting . . " It is awarded to " units providing services or achievements above and beyond those normally recognized by a Unit Citation Award . " Awards are made at the sole discretion of the National Commander of the Civil Air Patrol . The ribbon of the award is worn by all cadets and officers who were members of the unit during the time period for which the citation is awarded . Once the award has been made , members may continue to wear the ribbon even if they transfer out of the unit at a later date . Units that have been given the National Commander ' s Unit Citation Award are entitled to attach a streamer to the colors displayed at the unit ' s headquarters . This award does not come with a full - sized medal of its own , though a miniature medal is available for senior members to wear on their mess dress uniforms that must be purchased through an outside vendor . Unit Citation Award . The Civil Air Patrol " Unit Citation Award " is presented for " exceptionally meritorious service or exceptionally outstanding achievement . " This service and achievement must be clearly above that which is performed by other similar units . Members are awarded the Unit Citation Award ribbon if they were members of the unit during the time period for which the citation is awarded . Units can be awarded this citation as a result of extended meritorious service over the course of at least one year , or in recognition of outstanding achievements in a single specific act or notable accomplishment that is separate and distinct from the normal mission or regular function of the unit . The periods of an outstanding achievement are normally characterized by definite beginning and ending dates . Units that have been given the Unit Citation Award are entitled to attach a streamer to the colors displayed at the unit ' s headquarters . This award does not come with a full - sized medal of its own , though a miniature medal is available for senior members to wear on their mess dress uniforms that must be purchased through an outside vendor . Senior awards . Professional development awards . To accomplish its mission , the Civil Air Patrol requires an informed and active senior membership trained in leadership , management , and functional tasks . The CAP Senior Member Professional Development Program prepares members to serve their units , their communities , and their nation . The professional development ribbons are awarded by the Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters to denote the level of achievement that a senior member has achieved in this program . The professional development program is divided into five levels . Gill Robb Wilson Award . The " Gill Robb Wilson Award " was first implemented in 1964 to replace the National Commander ’ s Citation . It is named after Gill Robb Wilson , the first director of the CAP , and is presented to senior members who complete the fifth level of training in the Senior Member Professional Development Program . This award is issued directly from the Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters and is the highest award in the professional development program . This level of training is intended for those performing duty as commanders or staff officers . The training program concentrates on advanced leadership and management subjects . This award does not come with a full - sized medal . It consists of a ribbon and a certificate . Members who complete Squadron Officer School , Air Command and Staff College , or Air War College are authorized to wear a bronze , silver , or gold star ( respectively ) on the award ribbon . If multiple stars would be authorized , the highest star is placed on the Gill Rob Wilson ribbon , and the second highest on the Paul E . Garber ribbon . A miniature medal is available for members to wear on their mess dress uniforms . Paul E . Garber Award . The " Paul E . Garber Award " is presented to Civil Air Patrol senior members who complete the level IV requirements of the Senior Member Professional Development Program . Like the Gill Robb Wilson Award , this is issued directly from CAP National Headquarters . The award is named after Paul Garber who served in both World War I and World War II before becoming the first curator of the National Air and Space Museum . The Paul E . Garber Award is a prerequisite for any senior member to be considered for duty a performance promotion to the grade of Lieutenant Colonel in CAP . This level of training concentrates on members desiring to become leaders within the CAP . Every wing commander and region commander — and those members being groomed to replace them — is encouraged to complete the level IV training and earn the Paul E . Garber Award . Like the Gill Robb Wilson Award , there is no full - sized medal for this award . It consists of a ribbon and a certificate . Members who complete Squadron Officer School , Air Command and Staff College , or Air War College are authorized to wear a bronze , silver , or gold star ( respectively ) on the award ribbon . If multiple stars would be authorized and the member has received the Gill Rob Wilson award , the highest star is placed on the Gill Rob Wilson ribbon , and the second highest on the Paul E . Garber ribbon . A miniature medal is available for members to wear on their mess dress uniforms . Grover Loening Aerospace Award . The " Grover Loening Aerospace Award " is presented to senior members who successfully complete the third level of the professional development program . The award is issued directly from CAP National Headquarters in the form of a certificate . There is also a ribbon and a miniature medal available for members to purchase for wear on their uniforms . The award is named for aerospace manufacturer Grover Cleveland Loening . This portion of the professional development program was designed for senior members serving as squadron , group , or wing commanders and for CAP staff officers . In order to qualify for this award , members must complete their level II training , have one year of experience in a command or staff position , attain a senior rating in any CAP specialty track , and attend two wing , region , or national conferences . The Loening Award is a prerequisite for consideration for duty performance promotion to the grade of major in the Civil Air Patrol . Benjamin O . Davis , Jr . Award . The " Benjamin O . Davis , Jr . Award " is presented to senior members who successfully complete the second level of professional development . It is named for Benjamin O . Davis , an aviation pioneer and commander of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II . Members must complete the technical training required for the Leadership Award and must also attend Squadron Leadership School . This course is designed " to enhance a senior member ’ s performance at the squadron level and to increase understanding of the basic function of a squadron and how to improve squadron operations . " There is no ribbon associated with this award and members receive a certificate . Leadership Award . The " Leadership Award " is presented to senior CAP members who complete training to earn a technician rating in one of 26 specialty tracks . If members obtain a senior rating in a specialty track , they are authorized to wear a bronze star on the Leadership Award ribbon . A silver star is awarded for a higher master rating . This award does not come with a full - sized medal . It consists of a ribbon and a certificate . A miniature medal is available for members to wear on their mess dress uniforms . Unlike the three more senior professional development awards in the Civil Air Patrol senior program , this award is not named after an aviation pioneer or notable person associated with the CAP . Membership Award . The most basic professional development award in the CAP program is the " Membership Award " . This is presented to any senior member that successfully completes the level I Orientation Course . Completion of this course , and the qualification for the Membership Awards , is a prerequisite for participation in most areas of the Civil Air Patrol mission and for duty performance promotion to Second Lieutenant in the CAP . There are four modules required for completion of this level . The are a basic foundations course , a cadet protection program training , operations security awareness training , and equal opportunity training . The intent of this level I training " is to provide new members the information they need to begin their service in CAP successfully . " This award does not come with a full - sized medal . It consists of a ribbon and a certificate . A miniature medal is available for members to wear on their mess dress uniforms . Aerospace Education Awards . The aerospace education awards are presented to senior members who excel in furthering the educational aspects of the Civil Air Patrol ' s mission . These two awards are made to recognize completion of steps in the professional development program related specifically to aerospace education . A . Scott Crossfield Award . The " A . Scott Crossfield Award " is named after American naval officer and test pilot Albert Scott Crossfield . The award is made by the Civil Air Patrol national headquarters . The Crossfield Award is presented to members who have " earned the master level rating in the aerospace education specialty track and served as aerospace education officer . " This award does not come with a full - sized medal . It consists of a ribbon and a certificate . A miniature medal is available for members to purchase for wear on their mess dress uniforms . Brigadier General Charles E . “ Chuck ” Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award . The " Brigadier General Charles E . “ Chuck ” Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award " is presented to senior members who successfully complete the Civil Air Patrol ' s Aerospace Education Program for Senior Members ( AEPSM ) . This is assessed through a test that senior members may complete online or using traditional means . Upon validation of the test results , a certificate is issued by the member ' s wing . This award does not come with a full - sized medal . The miniature medal — for wear on their mess dress uniforms — and the ribbon may be purchased by individual recipients from appropriate commercial sources . This award is named for retired United States Air Force major general and noted test pilot , Charles E . “ Chuck ” Yeager . Emergency Services Ribbons . Rescue " Find " Ribbon . The Rescue Find Ribbon is awarded to any CAP member by his or her wing commander for making a find ( distress or non - distress ) on a search and rescue mission . A " distress find " involves a downed aircraft or persons in distress . Normally , a definite search objective must have been assigned , located , and positively identified . Other finds are classified as " non - distress " ; such as locating a non - distress emergency locator transmitter . The basic ribbon is awarded for a first find ( distress or non - distress ) . A bronze clasp is awarded for each additional distress find or for each additional 20 non - distress finds . Both aircrew and ground team members may receive credit for finds . The " Find " Ribbon may also be painted on the aircraft in which the find was made . Air Search and Rescue Ribbon . The Air Search and Rescue Ribbon is awarded to members who actively participate in at least 10 search and rescue sorties , with a bronze clasp awarded for each additional 10 sorties . All sorties must be in support of an actual search and rescue mission authorized through appropriate authorities . Counterdrug Ribbon . The Counterdrug Ribbon is awarded to Senior Members for participation in 10 counterdrug sorties . A bronze clasp is awarded for each additional 10 sorties , and replaced by a silver clasp after 50 additional sorties . Cadets are prohibited from participating in Counterdrug operations . Although similar in appearance , this award is not to be confused with the Navy / Marine Corps Commendation Medal . Disaster Relief Ribbon . The Disaster Relief Ribbon is awarded for participation in five disaster relief missions and completion of two designated disaster relief training courses . The ribbon may also be awarded for completion of one disaster relief course and 40 hours of disaster relief training or operations . Participation must be verified by the on - scene commander . The Disaster Relief Ribbon may be awarded with a Silver " V " device to any CAP member who participates as a CAP member in a disaster relief effort for a Presidential declared disaster . Participation in any Presidential declared disaster since 1990 qualifies . Homeland Security Ribbon . The Homeland Security Ribbon is awarded for participation in ten Homeland Security sorties , as defined by the tasking organization , which are in the interest of the defense and / or security of the United States . All members participating in the mission in any capacity may be eligible for the ribbon . Personnel performing duties , such as base support or staff functions , may be credited with one sortie for each 8 hours of participation , but may not to exceed two sorties for any 24 - hour period . Clasps may be added to the ribbon for participation in every ten additional sorties . Service Ribbons . Command Service Ribbon . Awarded to Senior Members who have served at least 1 year continuous service as commander — squadron , group , wing , etc . The basic ribbon is awarded for service as a squadron commander . A bronze star is added to denote service as group commander , a silver star for wing commander , and a gold star for region commander service . Two gold stars will be used to denote service as National Commander . Only one level of command may be shown on the ribbon . Red Service Ribbon . The Red Service Ribbon is given to any member of the Civil Air Patrol who has been a member of the program for two years ( as a cadet or Senior Member in good standing . ) In addition , the following devices are awarded for additional years of service . Community Service Award . The Community Service Ribbon is awarded to senior members and cadets who complete 60 hours of community service . The community service is done outside of Civil Air Patrol , and is verified by someone other than the member . Civil Air Patrol headquarters has now authorized the wear of a bronze device for every additional 60 hours of community service . Cadet Advisory Council Ribbon . The Cadet Advisory Council Ribbon is awarded to the primary members of an advisory council . A shoulder cord is worn while that member is the primary representative , while the ribbon continues to be worn even after the cadet is no longer on the CAC . The wear policy for the Cadet Advisory Council Ribbon was changed in 2007 to allow senior members who earned this ribbon as a cadet to continue wearing the ribbon with the appropriate clasp . Programs Ribbons . These ribbons are awarded to members for participating in or providing leadership for National Cadet Special Activities . Encampment Ribbon . The Encampment Ribbon is awarded to all cadets who complete a Civil Air Patrol Encampment successfully . It is also awarded to cadet staff members and officers who provide leadership for the encampment . Multiple encampments are symbolized with bronze clasps , one per additional encampment and worn centered on the encampment ribbon . Cadet encampments , usually a week in length , provide cadets with an intense look at military life . Encampment attendance is a prerequisite for the Gen . Billy Mitchell Award . Senior members may also be awarded the ribbon for providing leadership at CAP encampments . Cadet Special Activities Ribbon . Awarded to cadets and officers who participate in National Cadet Special Activities . Officer participants must be identified by the Civil Air Patrol project officer and approved by the member ’ s region commander . Each subsequent activity is represented by a bronze star affixed to the basic ribbon . Cadets earning this ribbon may continue to wear the ribbon as a Senior Member . National Cadet Competition Ribbon . Awarded to cadets for participation as a team member in the National Cadet Competition . The basic ribbon will be worn by the winner of the wing competition and / or cadets selected to represent the wing at a region competition . A bronze star will be affixed for the winners of the region competition , and a silver star will be worn by the sweepstakes winners of the national competition . Repetitive awards may be recognized by wearing additional stars in the appropriate competition level . Officers who earned this ribbon as a cadet may continue to wear the ribbon . In November 1998 , CAP ' s National Executive Committee approved an addendum to the regulation governing the wear of this ribbon ; it authorizes Officers who acted as official escorts to the above mentioned championship teams to also wear the ribbon . This addendum will be incorporated into the next draft of the regulation . National Cadet Color Guard Competition Ribbon . Awarded to cadets for participation as a team member in the National Color Guard Competition . The basic ribbon will be worn by the winner of the wing competition and / or cadets selected to represent the wing at a region competition . A bronze star will be affixed for the winners of the region competition , and a silver star will be worn by the sweepstakes winner of the national competition . Repetitive awards may be recognized by wearing additional stars in the appropriate competition level . In November 1998 , CAP ' s National Executive Committee approved an addendum to the regulation governing the wear of this ribbon ; it authorizes Officers who acted as official escorts to the above mentioned championship teams to also wear the ribbon . This addendum will be incorporated into the next draft of the regulation . Senior Members who earned this ribbon as a cadet may continue to wear the ribbon . International Air Cadet Exchange Ribbon . Awarded to cadets and officer escorts participating in the International Air Cadet Exchange ( IACE ) outside the continental limits of the United States . IACE is a program open to Cadets 17 or older who have earned the Earhart Award ( Cadet Captains and above ) to visit participating foreign countries . Cadet achievement awards . These awards are given to cadets who pass their unit tests , and also accompany an advancement in grade . Cadets who become Senior Members may wear only their highest ranking cadet achievement ribbon on their senior member uniform . General Carl A . Spaatz Award . The General Carl A . Spaatz Award is the highest award in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program . The award honors General Carl A . Spaatz , who was the first Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force and the second National Commander of the Civil Air Patrol . The Spaatz Award may be awarded to cadets who " successfully complete all phases of the CAP cadet program and the General Carl A . Spaatz Award examination " consisting of a comprehensive leadership and aerospace education written examination , a graded essay and a physical fitness test . The Spaatz Award is arguably the most difficult honor to earn in the CAP cadet program . Cadets earning Spaatz Award are also promoted to Cadet Colonel , the highest grade obtainable in the cadet program . Upon reaching the age of 21 , Cadet Colonels are eligible to transfer to the Civil Air Patrol Officer program with appointment to the grade of Captain . Cadet Colonels who voluntarily transfer to the Officer program between the ages of 18 and 21 receive the grade Senior Flight Officer . External links General Ira C . Eaker Award . The General Ira C . Eaker Award is given by the Civil Air Patrol in honor of the former Deputy Commander U . S . Army Air Forces and aviation pioneer . It is presented on behalf of CAP by CAP National Headquarters to cadets who have completed the specific requirements in the Phase IV of the cadet program . The award is accompanied by promotion to the grade of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel . External links Amelia Earhart Award . The Amelia Earhart Award is a cadet achievement of the Civil Air Patrol presented in honor of Amelia Earhart , pioneering aviatrix and aviation record - setter . This award is presented on behalf of CAP National Headquarters to denote the successful completion of the specific requirements in Phase III of this program . Cadets receiving the Earhart Award are promoted to Cadet Captain . Cadets who receive this award can be promoted to 1Lt once a senior member at the age of 21 . http : / / www . capmembers . com / media / cms / Super _ Chart _ _ 2011 _ low _ _ Copy _ 8371994AD16FE . pdf External links General Billy Mitchell Award . The General Billy Mitchell Award is earned by Civil Air Patrol cadet s who have successfully completed the second phase of the cadet program . It marks the end of the enlisted phase of the cadet program ; cadets are promoted to Cadet Second Lieutenant s upon receipt and , by extension , Cadet Officers . The award is given in honor of Maj Gen William " Billy " Mitchell , former Deputy Chief of the Army Air Service and military aviation visionary . In order to earn this award , cadets must pass a series of leadership , aerospace and physical fitness tests and attend character development training for each achievement from Cadet Airman Basic through Cadet Chief Master Sergeant . In addition , cadets must attend a military - style encampment before this award is made , and have maintained active membership in the Civil Air Patrol for at least 18 months since joining . 15 % of Civil Air Patrol cadets achieve the Mitchell Award . Mitchell Cadets who chose to enlist in the United States Air Force or the United States Coast Guard are promoted to E - 3 upon enlistment and completion of Basic Military Training ( BMT ) , instead of E - 1 . Mitchell Cadets who enlist in the Marine Corps , Navy , or Army are promoted to E - 2 upon completion of BMT . A silver star is worn on the ribbon to denote successful completion of Cadet Officer School . External links Neil Armstrong Achievement . The Neil Armstrong Achievement is awarded for successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 8 in Phase II of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program . Awarded for the second achievement of Chief Master Sergeant . Dr . Robert H . Goddard Achievement . The Dr . Robert H . Goddard Achievement is awarded for successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 7 in Phase II of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program . Accompanies promotion to Cadet Chief Master Sergeant . NOTE : A silver star worn on the ribbon denotes successful completion of the Model Rocketry Badge requirements ( if Mitchell Award has been earned ) . General Jimmy Doolittle Achievement . The General Jimmy Doolittle Achievement is awarded for successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 6 in Phase II of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program . Accompanies promotion to Cadet Senior Master Sergeant . Charles A . Lindbergh Achievement . The Charles A . Lindbergh Achievement is awarded for successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 5 in Phase II of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program . Accompanies promotion to the grade of Cadet Master Sergeant . Captain Eddie Rickenbacker Achievement . The Captain Eddie Rickenbacker Achievement is awarded for successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 4 in Phase II of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program . Accompanies promotion to the grade of Cadet Technical Sergeant . Wright Brothers Award . The Wright Brothers Award is awarded for successfully completing the Phase I of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program . It marks the transition of a cadet to the non - commissioned officer status in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program , and accompanies promotion to the grade of Cadet Staff Sergeant . Prior to the creation of the Mary Feik Achievement in April 2003 , the Wright Brothers award was the 3rd Achievement and accompanied promotion to the grade of Cadet Senior Airman . Mary Feik Achievement . The Mary Feik Achievement is awarded for successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 3 in Phase I of the cadet program . Accompanies promotion to the grade of Cadet Senior Airman . General H . H . " Hap " Arnold Achievement . The General H . H . " Hap " Arnold Achievement is awarded for successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 2 in Phase I of the cadet program . Accompanies promotion to the grade of Cadet Airman First Class . General J . F . Curry Achievement . The General J . F . Curry Achievement is awarded for successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 1 in Phase I of the cadet program . Cadets must successfully complete the Physical Fitness test , Leadership chapter 1 , and have participated in at least 1 character development class . Accompanies promotion to the grade of Cadet Airman . Senior Member Awards . Cadet Orientation Pilot Ribbon . Awarded to members who provide 50 cadet orientation flights . Each cadet receiving credit for the flight , may be counted toward the total of 50 . A bronze clasp may be added for each additional 50 flights . Cadet Awards . Air Force Association Award to Unit Cadet of the Year . This award from the Air Force Association recognizes one outstanding cadet per unit each year . Air Force Sergeants Association Award to Unit Cadet NCO of the Year . The " Air Force Sergeants Association Award to Outstanding CAP Cadet Noncommissioned Officer of the Year . An annual award established by the Air Force Sergeants Association to recognize the outstanding CAP cadet NCO in each squadron . VFW Award for Unit Cadet Officer of the Year . The Veterans of Foreign Wars recognize excellence in CAP cadet officers through an annual award to the outstanding cadet officer in each CAP squadron . CAP squadron commanders may nominate one cadet officer each year for the award by submitting a nomination to the VFW detailing the cadet ' s accomplishments and certifying that cadet officer is in good standing academically , progressing satisfactorily in the CAP cadet program , demonstrated outstanding achievement in community service and the cadet program ( aerospace and leadership ) . The cadet must also be of high moral character , demonstrate a high level of professionalism in appearance and action and patriotism ( commander or member of color guard , drill team , etc . ) , actively promote Americanism , demonstrate growth potential ( assumes higher levels of responsibility ) . A Cadet may only receive this award once . VFW Award for Unit Cadet NCO of the Year . The VFW recognizes excellence in CAP cadet non - commissioned officers ( NCO ) through an annual award to the outstanding cadet NCO in each CAP squadron . CAP squadron commanders may nominate one cadet NCO each year for the award by submitting a nomination to the VFW detailing the cadet ' s accomplishments and certifying that the cadet NCO is in good standing academically , progressing satisfactorily in the CAP cadet program , demonstrated outstanding achievement in community service and the cadet program ( aerospace and leadership ) . The cadet must also be of high moral character , demonstrate a high level of professionalism in appearance and action and patriotism ( commander or member of color guard , drill team , etc . ) , actively promote Americanism , demonstrate growth potential ( assumes higher levels of responsibility ) . A Cadet may only receive this award once . Cadet Recruiter Ribbon . The Cadet Recruiter Ribbon is given to cadets who recruit two or more people into the Civil Air Patrol . For each additional two members recruited , a bronze clasp may be worn on the ribbon . Once a cadet earns five bronze clasps , they may be replaced with a silver clasp . Bronze clasps are no longer worn after a silver clasp is received . For every ten new cadets recruited after this , an additional silver clasp may be worn on the ribbon . Frank F . Borman Falcon Award ( Obsolete ) . The Frank F . Borman Falcon Award was awarded to former Cadets who completed the Spaatz Award and who took subsequent steps to become dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders . Specifically , 1 ) secured admission to any military service academy and successfully completed the second year of instruction , 2 ) Secured admission to advanced ROTC program of any service in an accredited college of university , or 3 ) Become an active Senior Member of CAP for at least one year and be recommended by the unit Commander . < br > This award was unique in that it is specifically authorized for award to non - CAP members : former Spaatz cadets who qualified based on their military training were encouraged to apply to Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters for the Falcon Award , even if they were no longer CAP members . < br > The Falcon Award was discontinued in 1979 . Senior Members who were awarded the Falcon Award may continue to wear it as their highest cadet award with their other ribbons . Also , any Senior Member who was previously a CAP Cadet is authorized to wear the highest Cadet achievement award . Chronology of the Falcon Award World War II ribbons . These ribbons were awarded to members for service as a member of the Civil Air Patrol during World War II . Members who have earned them may continue to wear them , although they are no longer awarded . Wartime Service Ribbon . The Wartime Service Ribbon is awarded to CAP members who served during World War II in any one of several capacities . The ribbon replaces several specific World War II ribbons , which are listed below . Anti - Submarine Coastal Patrol Ribbon ( Obsolete ) . The Anti - Submarine Coastal Patrol Ribbon was awarded to members who patrolled the Atlantic coast for enemy submarine attacks during World War II . This ribbon is no longer available , but is still worn by those who have earned it . Southern Liaison Patrol Ribbon ( Obsolete ) . The Southern Liaison Patrol Ribbon was awarded to members who patrolled the southern border of the United States . This ribbon is no longer available , but is still worn by those who earned it . Tow - Target & Tracking Ribbon ( Obsolete ) . The Tow - Target & Tracking Ribbon was awarded to members who conducted reconnaissance missions for the U . S . Army Air Forces . This ribbon is no longer available , but is still worn by those who earned it . Courier Ribbon ( Obsolete ) . The Courier Ribbon was awarded to members who served as public information officers . This ribbon is no longer available , but is still worn by those who earned it . Forest Patrol Ribbon ( Obsolete ) . The Forest Patrol ribbon was awarded to members who patrolled the Northern United States border from enemy attacks . This ribbon is no longer available , but is still worn by those who earned it . Missing Aircraft Ribbon ( Obsolete ) . The Missing Aircraft Ribbon was awarded to members who served as part of the search - and - rescue team for downed aircraft within United States borders . This ribbon is no longer available , but is still worn by those who earned it .