The Air Force Cross of Aeronautical Merit ( es, Cruz de la Fuerza Aérea al "Mérito Aeronáutico") is an order granted by

Colombia Colombia (, ; ), officially the Republic of Colombia, is a country in South America with insular regions in North America—near Nicaragua's Caribbean coast—as well as in the Pacific Ocean. The Colombian mainland is bordered by the Car ...

, established in 1948. The order is awarded for distinguished service to the

Colombian Air Force , "We are the Force" , colours = , colours_label = , march = Colombian Air Force Hymn , mascot = Capitan Paz , anniversaries = 8 November , ...

History

Established by Decree 1068 of 20 March 1948, the Air Force Cross of Aeronautical Merit was originally known as the Order of Aeronautical Merit

Antonio Ricaurte Antonio Ricaurte (June 10, 1786 – March 25, 1814) was a patriot of the Independence of Colombia and Venezuela and captain of Bolívar's army. He is remembered as the martyr of the Battle of San Mateo, where, in a heroic action, he blasted an e ...

Criteria

The Air Force Cross of Aeronautical Merit is primarily awarded to Colombian Air Force personnel, but may be awarded to members of the

Colombian Armed Forces The Military Forces of Colombia ( es, Fuerzas Militares de Colombia, links=no) are the unified armed forces of the Republic of Colombia. They consist of the Colombian Army, the Colombian Navy and the Colombian Air Force. The National Police of ...

Colombian National Police The National Police of Colombia (Spanish: ''Policía Nacional de Colombia'') is the national police force of the Republic of Colombia. Although the National Police is not part of the Military Forces of Colombia (Army, Navy, and Air Force), it ...

. It may also be awarded to foreign civilian and military personnel. Individuals are recognized for valor and military virtue, as well as distinguished and notable service to the Colombian Air Force.

Grades

The Air Force Cross of Aeronautical Merit is awarded in the following grades: * Grand Cross (''Gran Cruz'') * Grand Officer (''Gran Oficial'') * Commander (''Comendador'') * Officer (''Oficial'') * Knight (''Caballero'') * Companion (''Compañero'')

References

{{reflist Orders, decorations, and medals of Colombia