Distinguished Enlisted

While thousands of airmen have performed their duties with honor, there were a select few whose actions reflect the highest ideals of bravery, dedication and sacrifice. Highlighted here are some examples of exceptional enlisted service in the history of the U.S. Air Force.

World War I
Sgt. 1st Class Fred C. Graveline
Sgt. 1st Class Harold O. Nicholls

World War II
Staff Sgt. Maynard H. Smith
Tech. Sgt. Forrest L. Vosler
Staff Sgt. Archibald Mathies
Staff Sgt. Henry E. Erwin

In addition to these Medal of Honor recipients, there were about 150 enlisted Army Air Forces personnel awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in WWII.

Korea
Private 1st Class Desmond R. Wilkerson
Tech. Sgt. James H. Ledford

Southeast Asia
Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger
Airman 1st Class John L. Levitow
Staff Sgt. John D. Harston

In addition to Harston, 19 enlisted personnel received the Air Force Cross for their service in Southeast Asia.

Somalia
Sgt. Timothy A. Wilkinson

Afghanistan
Senior Airman Jason D. Cunningham

Click here to return to the History of the Enlisted Overview.

Find Out More

Related Fact Sheets

Medal of Honor Awards in the Air Force

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