The Distinguished Flying Cross
"for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight"
Welcome
to the Distinguished Flying Cross Society
The Distinguished Flying Cross Society (DFCS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring, preserving, and sharing the legacy of heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight.
Our mission is threefold:
- Honor the courageous men and women who have earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
- Preserve the history and stories of their remarkable aerial achievements.
- Teach future generations about their service and sacrifice.
One of the key ways we fulfill this mission is through our Scholarship Program, which supports DFC family members, veterans and Gold Star family members pursuing higher education, certifications or technical training in an aviation industry related field—ensuring that the legacy of aerial excellence continues to inspire the next generation.
The Distinguished Flying Cross was established by Congress on July 2, 1926, with the first awards presented to the U.S. Army Air Corps crews of the historic 1926–1927 Pan American Goodwill Flight. Today, our membership proudly includes recipients from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, along with family members preserving the memory of loved ones who earned the DFC, both past and present.
Join us in celebrating and safeguarding the extraordinary legacy of America’s aviators.
Message from the Chairman
Welcome to the Distinguished Flying Cross Society (DFCS). The DFC was established by Congress in 1926. Since the first award by President Calvin Coolidge on May 2, 1927 to ten aviators of the US Army Air Corps who participated in the Army Pan American Flight, DFC’s have been awarded to men and women representing all branches of the military for heroism or extraordinary achievement in aerial flight.
Notable recipients include Charles Lindbergh, Wiley Post, Amelia Earhart, Glenn Curtiss, George H.W. Bush, Admiral Alan Shepard, Captain Jim Lovell, Captain John McCain and celebrities such as General James Steward and Major Clark Gable. DFCS members include Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine aviators who flew during the Vietnam era to more recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Coast Guard is also represented for dramatic rescue operations from Alaska to the Caribbean.
The DFCS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The recent change to a 501(c)3) allows the DFCS to expand membership and offer a wider range of member benefits and expand community outreach.
We realize that to fulfill our mission of honoring, preserving and teaching the legacy of the DFC, we must consistently deliver services that meet the needs and expectations of current and future members. The recent implementation of Neon One’s Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) platform will enable us to create stronger connections, better engagement and more positive member interactions. The new look website allows members easier access to information and provides access to a secure membership portal where they can upload and update their information.
Our Board and staff are committed to providing a level of excellence and commitment to each member that reflects professionalism and dedication of our DFC recipients.
John Whiddon
Chairman
