Distinguished Flying Medal

TERMS
The award was made to non-commissioned officers and men for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying in active operations against the enemy.

BAR
A straight slip-on silver bar with an eagle in the centre was awarded for a further act that would have warranted the medal. The year of the award was engraved on the back of the bar. None was to a Canadian.

DESCRIPTION
An oval, silver medal, 1.375 inches wide and 1.625 inches long.

OBVERSE
King George V: A bareheaded coinage effigy, facing left, and the legend:
GEORGEIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:

King George VI: A bareheaded coinage effigy, facing left, and the legend:
GEORGEIVS VID: G: BR: OMN: REX F. D: IND: IMP:

REVERSE
Within a wreath of laurel, Athena Nike is shown seated on an aeroplane, a hawk rising from her right arm above the words FOR COURAGE.

MOUNTING
A bomb is attached to the clasp and ribbon by two wings.

RIBBON
The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide, and consists of alternate violet and white stripes (0.0625 [1/16]" wide) leaning 45 degrees to the left. A violet stripe is to appear in the bottom left and upper right corners when viewed on the wearer's chest. Until 1919, the stripes were horizontal. 

NAMING
The medal was engraved with the service number, rank, initials, surname and service. During WWI the medal was impressed.

DATES
The DFM was instituted on 03 June 1918. 

ISSUED
A total of 556 DFMs awarded to Canadians, plus 136 to RAF/RNZAF/RAAF personnel serving in RCAF squadrons.
 


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