Aces High Insignia

[_AH_DarkWolf]

This thread will contain updated info on our Ranks, Wings, Medals and Ribbons until such time as we make a new Insignia page.

[_AH_DarkWolf]

Ranks

Pilot ranks reflect the achievements and highest positions a pilot has served in within Aces High.




Colonel - Pilots who serve as the Commanding Officer of Aces High are promoted to Colonel.




Lieutenant Colonel - This rank is bestowed on pilots who serve in the command staff position of Executive Officer.




Major -  When a pilot is assigned as the group Adjutant or squadron leader for one of the three squadrons, he earns the rank of Major. (This applies to the assigned squadron leaders, not temporary or mission replacements)




Captain - Upon earning Instructor wings for both Land and Carrier based aircraft, a pilot is promoted to Captain.




First Lieutenant - Upon completion of the two primary quals where a pilot earns his Land and Carrier wings, he is promoted to First Lieutenant.




Second Lieutenant - These are the new recruits, the basic rank everyone starts with.


Note - Some pilots who were promoted before this system was implemented do not match it, they have been grandfathered in and retain those ranks.

[_AH_DarkWolf]

Wings




Pilot Wings

Awarded for completing the following in a P-51D-5NT without crashing:
 
Take off and climb to 7,500m carrying 2x250lbs bombs.
Successful destruction of 3 ground targets with any ammo on board.
Carrying out a Horizontal 8 and demonstrating Slow Flight (less than 200km/hr).
Completing 10 landings and take offs.

A pilot may also carry out this exam in other aircraft types but ONLY after having successfully gained the above qualification. The other aircraft types will then be listed under the Pilot Wings.

Aircraft that have been “Combat Qualified” will be noted with (C).

If an aircraft is unable to meet the above listed requirements (i.e. Bomb load, etc.), an alternate test maybe given by an instructor with the permission of Aces High Command Staff.




Instructor Pilot Wings

Awarded for completing the above exam on six different aircraft types including one multi-engine piston engine aircraft and one jet engine aircraft. When awarded, these overwrite the "Pilot Wings".




Command Pilot Wings

Awarded to qualified instructor pilots only for demonstrating leadership both in training and combat conditions. A pilot must be recommended for this award by his peers and approved by Aces High Operations Officer. When awarded, these overwrite the "Instructor Pilot Wings".




Bomber Pilot Wings

Awarded to any pilot that completes the four bombing missions (1 from each base) contained within the Aces High Bomber Qualification Mission.




Carrier Pilot Wings

Awarded for completing the following in a FM-2 without crashing:
 
Completing 10 landings and take-offs from a stationary carrier without crashing.

A pilot may also carry out this exam in other aircraft types but ONLY after having successfully gained the above qualification. The other aircraft types will then be listed under the Carrier Pilot Wings.

Aircraft that have been “Moving Carrier Qualified” will be noted with (M).
Aircraft that have been “Rough Weather Carrier Qualified” will be noted with (R).
Aircraft that have been “Night Carrier Qualified” will be noted with (N).
Aircraft that have been carrier qualified in "Full Cockpit" conditions will be noted with (FC). (Full Cockpit requires "No External Views" to be checked in the game difficulty options)




Carrier Instructor Pilot Wings

Awarded for completing the above exam on five different aircraft types including one Japanese aircraft and one British aircraft. When awarded, these overwrite the "Carrier Pilot Wings".



Aces High Qualification maps can be downloaded here : http://aceshigh.ws/forum/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=item376

Further information and specifics on the various qualifications can be found here : http://aceshigh.ws/forum/index.php?board=20.0

[_AH_DarkWolf]

Medals




Navy Cross

The highest decoration awarded by Aces High (the equivalent of the Distinguished Service Cross), the Navy Cross may be awarded to any pilot who distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism. The action must take place in combat action, flying Naval (USN, USMC, IJN, FAA) aircraft, in the following circumstances: vs AI aircraft, human pilots, inter-squad or intra-squad actions; in dogfight, coop or campaign settings.

To earn a Navy Cross the act to be commended must be performed in the presence of great danger or at great personal risk and must be performed in such a manner as to render the individual highly conspicuous among others of equal grade, rate, experience, or position of responsibility. An accumulation of minor acts of heroism does not justify an award of the Navy Cross. A pilot must be recommended for this award by their peers and approved by Aces High Command Staff.




Distinguished Service Cross

The highest decoration awarded by Aces High (the equivalent of the Navy Cross), the Distinguished Service Cross may be awarded to any pilot who distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism. The action must take place in combat action, flying non-naval (of any nationality) aircraft, in the following circumstances: vs AI aircraft, human pilots, inter-squad or intra-squad actions; in dogfight, coop or campaign settings.

To earn a Distinguished Service Cross the act to be commended must be performed in the presence of great danger or at great personal risk and must be performed in such a manner as to render the individual highly conspicuous among others of equal grade, rate, experience, or position of responsibility. An accumulation of minor acts of heroism does not justify an award of the Distinguished Service Cross. A pilot must be recommended for this award by their peers and approved by Aces High Command Staff.




Legion of Merit

Third in seniority to the Navy / Distinguished Service Cross, the Legion of Merit Medal may be awarded to any pilot for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The performance must have been such as to merit recognition of key individuals for service rendered in a clearly exceptional manner. Justification of the award may accrue by virtue of exceptionally meritorious service in a succession of important positions. A pilot may be recommended for this award by their peers and/or a member of the Aces High Command Staff.

NOTE: Generally this award, while senior to the Distinguished Flying Cross, shall be for non-combat-flying achievements, though it may be awarded for flight achievements if the Squadron Command Staff feels the justifying act rates higher than the DFC, but below that for the DSM or Navy/Distinguished Service Cross.




Distinguished Flying Cross

Fourth in seniority to the Navy / Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to any pilot who distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial combat. The extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances. Awards will be made only to recognize single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement. A pilot must be recommended for this medal by their peers and approved by Aces High Command Staff.




Air Medal

Fifth in seniority to the Navy / Distinguished Service Cross, the Air Medal may be awarded to any pilot who has distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. If in combat conditions, the achievement assumes a lesser degree of performance than would merit the Distinguished Flying Cross. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or heroism or for meritorious service. A pilot must be recommended for this medal by their peers and approved by Aces High Command Staff.




Meritorious Service Medal

Awarded to pilots for non-combat achievement in Aces High service. A pilot must be recommended for this medal by their peers and approved by Aces High Command Staff.




Combat Readiness Medal

Awarded to pilots that continuously participate in both intra and inter Squadron / Group events. A pilot must be recommended for this medal by their peers and approved by Aces High Command Staff.




Purple Heart

Awarded to any pilot successfully returning to base in an aircraft deemed to be un-flyable due to severe battle damage.

This award can only be recommended by the rank of Major and above and must be approved by Aces High Command Staff. If possible, take a screenshot of the aircraft in question and present the evidence to higher HQ for approval.




Gomer Award

This medal is awarded to pilots for getting the simplest things wrong. We've all been there and this just makes sure everyone else knows too. Think of it as a waypoint through which we all must pass. It can be recommended by any pilot for any pilot, preferably in a public place with lots of others around to laugh and enjoy!




Purple Toe Award

The Purple Toe is awarded for perseverance in the face of adversity both online and off. When a pilot makes a special effort to achieve and participate, no matter the difficulties or the obstacles involved, this award may be recommended by any of his peers.




No Smoking Award

The No Smoking Award is awarded for not continuing to shoot or shootdown an aircraft that is heavily damaged and is smoking. This award may be recommended by any pilot.




The Sharpshooter Medal

This medal is awarded to pilots who have consistently shown great skill in air and ground gunnery, achieving a notably high percentage of hits. This award may be recommended by any pilot.




Star and Valor Devices

Small Silver and\or Gold stars on the ribbon indicate that the respective medal has been awarded to the pilot more than once. Each small Silver star represents 1 additional award, while each small Gold star represents 5 additional awards.
 
The Valor device is awarded as a single, one-time decoration only. It may be awarded for special or specific achievements. A service member may not receive several Valor devices on the same decoration.

[_AH_DarkWolf]

Ribbons




Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon

May be awarded to an AH Squadron or special ad-hoc group for exceptional team performance in a series of missions or a campaign. This award is solely at the discretion of AH Command Staff and all members of the Squadron are entitled to wear this ribbon permanently.




Aircraft Specialist Ribbon

Awarded to those that show good technical knowledge of how aircraft systems operate or demonstrate the ability to "Skin" the aircraft for Aces High pilots or missions.




Communications Specialist Ribbon

Awarded to pilots that demonstrate excellent inter aircraft communications skills both in and out of combat situations and can perform the ATC role during training.




Mission Specialist Ribbon

Awarded to pilots that demonstrate excellent ability at mission creation or modification.




Campaign Specialist Ribbon

Awarded to pilots that demonstrate excellent ability in creating historic missions and campaigns.




Recruiting Officer Ribbon

Awarded to pilots that are approved by Aced High Command Staff to recruit new candidates for the group. This ribbon may only be awarded by Aces High HQ staff. Made from one of Jack's discarded inseam measuring tapes.




Tech Specialist Ribbon

Awarded to Aces High members with a keen knowledge of computer systems or programs that assist others in the group.




Landing Signals Officer Ribbon

Awarded to pilots that can instruct and assist pilots while at the same time performing ATC for aircraft maneuvering around aircraft carriers.




Navigator's Ribbon

Awarded to pilots who display excellence in navigational skills by navigating both to and from a target with no form of map reference.




Airman's Commendation Ribbon

This ribbon is awarded for commendable service that does not fit into any other category of award.




Sharpshooter's Ribbon

This ribbon is awarded to pilots who have consistently shown great skill in air and ground gunnery, it denotes a lesser degree of performance than would merit the Sharpshooter Medal. This award may be recommended by any pilot.




William Tell Ribbon

Awarded monthly to the Aces High member that achieves the highest hit percentage for a given month on the Aces High Online Dogfight Server.

Repeating the achievement will increase the number of white bars within the award.

To be eligible to receive this award, a pilot must score a minimum of 25 kills on the server.


Campaign Ribbons




VMF-223 Campaign
(From left to right)

VMF–223 Campaign Ribbon - Awarded to pilots who participated in more than 5 missions throughout the campaign.

VMF–223 Campaign Ribbon II - Awarded to pilots who participated in more than 5 missions throughout the second running of the updated and revised campaign.

VMF–223 Campaign Ribbon with “V” device - Awarded to pilots who have attained a better than 90% survival rate through out the second running of the campaign.

VMF–223 Campaign Ribbon with Star - Awarded to pilots who participated in 75% or more of the missions during the third running of the campaign.




Operation "Whack a Mole" Unit Citation

All members of the Aces High Group that participated in the above operation are authorized to wear this ribbon.

The left ribbon is to be worn by Dealers Squadron personnel and the right by Black Aces Squadron personnel.




March Madness '07

Awarded to Aces High pilots that participated in the month long online campaign featuring key air battles throughout WWII.

The ribbon with star denotes a pilot who was a member of the winning team.

To be eligible toreceive this award, a pilot must have participated in a minimum of 4 missionsduring the campaign.





Euro Campaign

Awarded to Aces High pilots that participated in the 30 mission long online campaign featuring key air battles across European Front.

The left ribbon denotes pilots that participated in at least 5 missions during the campaign.

The right ribbon with gold edge signifies that the wearer participated in more than 20 missions.




Slot Campaign

Awarded to Aces High pilots that participated in the 20 mission long online campaign featuring key air battles throughout the Solomon Islands chain.

Left ribbon denotes pilots that participated in at least 5 missions during the campaign.

Ribbon with V Device denotes an 85% or better survival rate during the course of the campaign.




Bear's Campaign

Awarded to Aces High pilots that participated in Bear's Campaign set in the european theatre.




Defense of the Philippines

Awarded to Aces High pilots that participated in the early war campaign in defense of the Philippine islands.




Black Widow's Walk

Awarded to Aces High pilots that participated in the campaign focusing on operations with the P-61 Black Widow.




Battle of Britain

Awarded to Aces High pilots that participated in the 45 mission campaign set during the summer of 1940 defense of Britain.




Checkertail

Awarded to Aces High pilots that participated in 50% or more of the missions during the campaign revolving around the P-40 period of the 325th Fighter Group in the MTO.




White Lightning

Awarded to Aces High pilots who participated in 5 or more missions during the P-38 campaign set during the Battle of the Bulge.




Fortress Malta

Awarded to Aces High pilots that participated in 12 or more missions during the campaign in defense of the island of Malta.




Fortress Europe

Awarded to Aces High pilots who participated in 50% or more of the missions attacking Hitler's Fortress Europe.




Flying Tigers

Awarded to Aces High pilots who participated in 50% or more of the missions following the exploits of the American Volunteer Group in the CBI theatre.




TF58

Awarded to Aces High pilots who participated in the campaign recreating missions of the US Fast Carrier Task Force in 44/45.




Solomons

Awarded to Aces High pilots that participated in 50% or more of the missions recreating the battles for the Solomon Islands.




Husky

Awarded to Aces High pilots who participated 50% or more of the missions set during the Invasion of Sicily.




Philippines Campaign

Awarded for flying 50% or more of the total sorties during the Philippines Campaign.




Star and Valor Devices

Small Silver and\or Gold stars on the ribbon indicate that the respective ribbon has been awarded to the pilot more than once. Each small Silver star represents 1 additional award, while each small Gold star represents 5 additional awards.
 
The Valor device is awarded as a single, one-time decoration only. It may be awarded for special or specific achievements. A service member may not receive several Valor devices on the same ribbon.

[_AH_DarkWolf]

Air Racing Trophies




Awarded to pilots who have finished First, Second and Third in the overall standings at the conclusion of an air racing season.

The specific seasons are listed below the trophies a pilot has won.