Who knows about the Distinguished Flying Cross?

[brentspeak]

I know that it's awarded for conspicuous gallantry in combat that takes place during an airborne operation. (I think) it's for heroism that comes just short of the criteria warranting a Medal of Honor.

So under what circumstances would a member of the Air Force be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as opposed to being awarded the Air Force Cross, as both are rated just below the Medal of Honor?

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

1. I believe it is a British military honor but that's about all I know

without resorting to Google

[HawkerHurricane]

2. A medal awarded for bravery in flight.

The first one was given to Charles Lindbergh for his famous flight.

http://www.dfcsociety.org/medal.asp

It ranks below the Silver Star but above a Bronze Star, see

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforcemedals/l/blafmedals.htm

Great Britain has a similar award, with the same name.

http://www.theaerodrome.com/medals/gbritain/dfc.php

[chaumont58]

3. Are you sure Distinguished Flying Cross is rated same as AF Cross?

I was an enlisted man in USAF many, many years ago. In those days, the second highest in the AF was still call the DSC(from Army days). The DFC could be earned for good flying that had perhaps nothing to do with combat. A flight of B52s from the base I was on flew around the world in something like 45 hours(or at least, that's how I remember it). Several of the pilots were awarded the DFC by Curtis LeMay on the spot. My memory may be full of imperfections on this. Its almost 50 years ago.