1918-1919: horizontal alternate white and purple stripes The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is the third-level[clarification needed] military decoration awarded to officers, and since 1993 to other ranks, of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy".

[6] While remaining a reward for "flying in active operations against the enemy", the requirement was changed from "valour, courage or devotion to duty"[3] to "exemplary gallantry".

[8] The DFC now serves as the third-level award for all ranks of the British Armed Forces for exemplary gallantry in active operations against the enemy in the air, not to the standard required to receive the Victoria Cross or the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

[9] The decoration, designed by Edward Carter Preston,[10] is a cross flory, 2.125 inches (54.0 mm) wide.

[4] The reverse is plain, except for a central roundel bearing the reigning monarch's cypher and the date '1918'.

The ribbon bar denoting a further award is silver, with the Royal Air Force eagle in its centre.

The figures to 1979 are laid out in the table below,[12] the dates reflecting the relevant entries in the London Gazette: In addition, between 1980 and 2017 approximately 80 DFCs have been earned, including awards for the Falklands and the wars in the Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan.