"The Air Force will begin awarding a new Combat Action Medal in April 2007. The Air Force Combat Action Medal may be awarded to Airmen that have directly participated in active combat, either in the air or on the ground, as part of their official duty. Airmen serving as a crew member on a C130 providing key support to Coalition forces or Airmen servicing as a convoy escort operation that takes fire, for instance, would be eligible to apply for the award. Airmen can apply for the award to recognize participation in combat activities dating back as far as Sept. 11, 2001"