DA Form 4980-7: Distinguished Flying Cross (Heroism) – DA Form 4980-7 serves as the official certificate for the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) awarded specifically for heroism. It is prescribed in Army Regulation (AR) 600-8-22, Military Awards, and used alongside the physical medal.
There is a companion form, DA Form 4980-8, for DFC awards recognizing extraordinary achievement (non-heroism). The heroism version (4980-7) highlights acts of valor involving voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty during aerial flight.
History of the Distinguished Flying Cross
Congress established the Distinguished Flying Cross on July 2, 1926 (amended later). The first recipient was Captain Charles A. Lindbergh for his 1927 solo transatlantic flight. It has since recognized extraordinary aerial heroism or achievement since April 6, 1917.
The DFC ranks as the fourth-highest award for heroism and the highest for extraordinary aerial achievement. It applies across U.S. armed forces branches, though the Army uses specific DA forms for its certificates.
Criteria for Awarding the Distinguished Flying Cross (Heroism)
The DFC is awarded to any officer or enlisted person of the U.S. armed forces (and sometimes qualifying foreign personnel) for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. For the heroism variant on DA Form 4980-7:
- The act must involve voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty.
- Heroism or achievement must be entirely distinctive and involve non-routine operations.
- It recognizes single acts, not sustained operations (though multiple awards are possible with oak leaf clusters or stars).
Examples often include pilots or aircrew who demonstrate exceptional courage in combat or emergency situations, such as engaging enemy forces under fire or completing rescues in extreme conditions.
How DA Form 4980-7 Is Used in the Awards Process?
Recommendations for the DFC typically start with DA Form 638 (Recommendation for Award), supported by witness statements, flight records, and citations. Upon approval:
- The appropriate authority signs the certificate (DA Form 4980-7 for heroism).
- It is presented with the medal set.
- The award is recorded in the recipient’s official military personnel file (OMPF).
Certificates like DA Form 4980-7 are requested through command channels or supply systems and are used for formal presentations, OMPF updates, and veteran recognition.
Who Receives the Distinguished Flying Cross Certificate?
Eligible recipients include active duty, reserve, National Guard, and retired or separated U.S. Army personnel (and other branches via their processes). It can also apply to certain foreign military members in qualifying operations.
Veterans or next-of-kin of deceased recipients may seek replacement certificates or medals through official channels like the National Personnel Records Center or Army Human Resources Command (HRC).
How to Request or Replace a DA Form 4980-7 Certificate?
- Active or recent service members: Submit through the chain of command using DA Form 638.
- Veterans: Contact the Army Awards and Decorations Branch or use services for replacement medals/certificates. Provide DD Form 214 or other proof of service.
- Display recognitions: Organizations like the American War Library or similar veteran services offer replica certificates for display.
For official updates or corrections to military records involving this award, veterans can apply via the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR).
Significance of the Award for U.S. Service Members
The Distinguished Flying Cross symbolizes extraordinary courage in the skies. Recipients join an elite group of American aviators and aircrew whose actions have shaped military aviation history—from World War II aces to modern helicopter pilots in combat zones.
For families and veterans in the USA, this certificate represents tangible proof of service and sacrifice, often displayed proudly alongside other honors.
Related Forms and Awards
- DA Form 4980-8: DFC for Achievement.
- DA Form 4980-9: Air Medal Certificate.
- Higher valor awards: Silver Star (DA Form 4980-4), Soldier’s Medal (DA Form 4980-6).
For the most current guidance, refer to the latest AR 600-8-22 on the Army Publishing Directorate website.
This article provides general information based on official U.S. Army sources. For personalized assistance with awards, contact your unit S1, HRC, or a veterans service organization.