Ed Rasimus wrote:
wrote:

Is there a database or something on the web of USAF fighter pilots who
earned each of those medals? I'd be interested in learning more about
what the chest full of ribbons on my dad's uniform all meant.

Ribbons are worn in order of precedence, from top down and from
wearer's right to left in each row--so whatever is on top of your
dad's array is the highest decoration received.

For USAF types, here's a link:
http://www.af.mil/news/airman/0101/medals.html

There is a database online for MOH winners, listing lots of details
and citations for all the awards. Pretty impressive reading:
http://www.cmohs.org/

There's a list of AF Cross recipients at
http://www.legionofvalor.com/query_l...ch=Air%20Force
but I will certify that it is incomplete. Two AFC recipients that I
know personally are not listed: Karl Richter (F-105) and Richard Nagel
(C-123). There are probably others.

There's a list of AFC recipients from the Vietnam War in one of the
appendices of "Stolen Valor"--an excellent book that uncovers a lot of
the "wannabes" impersonating as something they aren't.

Thanks. I've tried searching the links you provided above and
found nothing, so maybe you could explain what "Oak Leaf Cluster"
and "first thru tenth to the Oak Leaf Cluster" means in the excerpt
below?

"The award was won in an Oct. 5, 1966, rescue operation in which
Captain Marron was responsible for the rescue of two McDonnell
F-4C Phantom crew members shot down over North Vietnam.
Next, Captain Marron recieved the first Oak Leaf Cluster to the
DFC for heroism in connection with a Dec. 5, 1966, action. The
citation read: On that date while engaged in a search and rescue
mission for a downed RF-101 pilot, Captain Marron attacked and
destroyed a heavy automatic weapons position that was firing at
close range on his leader. Without hesitation and at great personal
risk, Captain Marron rolled in on the deadly fire in a successful
effort to both draw fire to himself and ultimately to completely
destroy the hostile gun position. His courage and timely
decision undeoubtedly saved the life of his leader. Finally, Captain
Marron was awarded the first through tenth Oak Leaf Cluster to the
Air Medal."

-Mike Marron