Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Air Force Personnel Center Display

I have 5 AFOUA for my service during and in Vietnam. The V device was awarded to units participating on or providing direct support of combat action. My first AFOUA w/V was awarded for my service in Thailand in 71-72. I was then an aircraft mechanic working on B-52 and KC-135 aircraft. Units I was assigned in Vietnam also received the award but my (our) mission was the rapid refuel, unload and reload of Cargo aircraft, specifically, C-141 and C-5 which are not considered combat aircraft. Also, because it is a unit award and not an individual award, anyone assigned to that unit may wear the award while assigned to that unit. Once you leave that unit, authorization of the award ceases UNLESS you were assigned to the unit during the time frame the award was given.

Does this help? I know I have some fellow Wing Nuts who know more than I do and can chime in.

An Airman that is attached to a unit that has engaged in actions considered "valorous" does not necessarily have to see combat. For example, a maintainer may be attached to a fighter squadron. That maintainer may have not seen combat, but he/she most certainly contributed to the unit receiving the outstanding unit award with the "V" device.

Please correct me if I'm wrong any other AD or vet AF guys out there.