Air Force Cross of Aeronautical Merit
| Air Force Cross of Aeronautical Merit Cruz de la Fuerza Aérea al "Mérito Aeronáutico" | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Air Force Cross of Aeronautical Merit Grand Cross sash and star. | |
Awarded by  Colombia | |
| Awarded for | Exceptional military service to Colombia |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Grand Master | President of Colombia |
| Grand Chancellor | Minister of National Defence |
| Grades (w/ post-nominals) | Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, Knight, Companion |
| Statistics | |
| Established | 20 March 1948 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Orden del Mérito Naval "Almirante Padilla" [1] |
| Next (lower) | Orden del Mérito Sanitario “José Fernández Madrid”[1] |
The Air Force Cross of Aeronautical Merit (Spanish: Cruz de la Fuerza Aérea al "Mérito Aeronáutico") is an order granted by Colombia, established in 1948. The order is awarded for distinguished service to the Colombian Air Force.
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.[2]
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 or Colombian National Police. 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.[3]
Grades
The Air Force Cross of Aeronautical Merit is awarded in the following grades:[4]
- Grand Cross (Gran Cruz)
- Grand Officer (Gran Oficial)
- Commander (Comendador)
- Officer (Oficial)
- Knight (Caballero)
- Companion (Compañero)
| Ribbon bars of the Air Force Cross of Aeronautical Merit | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Grand Cross |
 Grand Officer |
 Commander | |||
 Officer |
 Knight |
 Companion | |||
References
- 1 2 "DECRETO 4444 DE 2010 (noviembre 29) Diario Oficial No. 47.908 de 29 de noviembre de 2010". http://www.cancilleria.gov.co/. Cancilleria Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
- ↑ "Colonel Luis Arturo Rodriguez Meneses". Colombian Air Force. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
- ↑ "CRUZ DE LA FUERZA AÉREA AL “MÉRITO AERONÁUTICO”.". DECRETO 4444 DE 2010 (noviembre 29). Cancillería Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
- ↑ "CAPÍTULO IV. CONDECORACIONES POR VIRTUDES MILITARES Y PROFESIONALES DE CARÁCTER EXCEPCIONAL DE LAS ÓRDENES Y SU CONSEJO. ARTÍCULO 53. PROPÓSITOS Y CATEGORÍAS.". Cancillería Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (in Spanish). Retrieved 18 July 2014.