Introduced at the same time as the DFC, it was awarded to NCOs and men of the RAF for courage or devotion to duty while flying on active operations against the enemy.  During the Second World War it was extended to the equivalent ranks of the Army and Fleet Air Arm personnel engaged in similar operations.

Bar

A straight slip-on silver bar with an eagle in the centre was awarded for a further act that would have warranted the medal. The year of the award was engraved on the back of the bar.

Description

An oval, silver medal, 1.375 inches wide and 1.625 inches long. 

Obverse

King George V: A bareheaded coinage effigy, facing left, and the legend:

GEORGEIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:

King George VI: A bareheaded coinage effigy, facing left, and the legend:
GEORGEIVS VID: G: BR: OMN: REX F. D: IND: IMP:

Reverse

Within a wreath of laurel, Athena Nike is shown seated on an aeroplane, a hawk rising from her right arm above the words FOR COURAGE. 

Mounting

A bar is attached to the clasp and ribbon by two wings.

Ribbon

The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide, and consists of alternate violet and white stripes (0.0625 [1/16]" wide) leaning 45 degrees to the left. A violet stripe is to appear in the bottom left and upper right corners when viewed on the wearer's chest. Until 1919, the stripes were horizontal. 

Naming

The medal was engraved with the service number, rank, initials, surname and service. During WWI the medal was impressed.

Dates

The DFM was instituted on 03 June 1918. 

Metal

Silver 

Dimensions

42mm tall 34mm wide