United States Armed Forces Silver Medal – U.S. Air Force
Background
The U.S. Air Force Silver Medal is the first medal in the U.S. Armed Forces Silver Medals Program. In 2022, the U.S. Mint released a bronze medal of the same design.
The U. S. Air Force can trace its origins back to 1907. It officially became an independent branch of the United States Armed Forces with the passage of the National Security Act in 1947.
Characteristics
The obverse depicts a fighter jet pilot, flying alongside F-22 fighter jets with a stylized landscape below.
The reverse features a dynamic perspective of the three spires of the Air Force Memorial, with one of the spires piercing the border of the medal into the beyond. Surrounding the memorial are members of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard in ceremonial assembly. The core values of the Air Force are inscribed around the border.
Obverse Inscriptions
- U.S. AIR FORCE
Reverse Inscriptions
- INTEGRITY FIRST
- SERVICE BEFORE SELF
- EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
The U.S. Air Force Medal has a matte finish. The medal does not have a mint mark.
One Ounce Silver Medal:
- Composition: 99.9% silver
- Diameter: 1.598 inches (40.60 mm)
- Weight: 1.000 troy oz.
2.5 Ounce Silver Medal:
- Composition: 99.9% silver
- Diameter: 2.000 inches (50.80 mm)
- Weight: 2.500 troy oz. (77.759 grams)
Bronze Medal:
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc
- Diameter: 1.500 inches (38.10 mm)
Artist Information
Obverse- Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Paul C. Balan, Artistic Infusion Program
- Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Jamie Franki, Artistic Infusion Program