The Air Force Combat Action Medal is also awarded to members who were under direct and hostile fire, or who personally engaged hostile forces with direct and lethal fire.

"Through an evolution of Air Force warfighting roles, more Airmen are finding themselves involved in combat actions. Some have earned awards from other services to reflect this, but Airmen should wear Air Force awards on Air Force uniforms," General Moseley said.

The design of the new medal was inspired by a personal insignia Brig. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell had painted on the aircraft that he flew over the St. Mihiel while developing his plans for what would be the first major American offensive in World War I. General Mitchell was one of the military's earliest advocates of Air Power. Members of General Mitchell's family will also take part in the ceremony.

In conjunction with the Army Institute of Heraldry, the medal was designed by Susan Gamble, a professional artist and Master Designer for the U.S. Mint -- and the wife of Col. Mike Gamble.

Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force chief of staff, is scheduled to present the Air Force Combat Action Medal for the first time to six Airmen during an 8 a.m. ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. The Air Force Combat Action Medal was designed by Susan Gamble, an artist and master designer for the U.S. Mint, in conjunction with the Army Institute of Heraldry. The design of the new medal was inspired by a personal insignia Brig. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell, one of the military's earliest advocates of air power, had painted on the aircraft he flew over the St. Mihiel while developing plans for the first major American offensive of World War I. (U.S. Air Force illustration/Susan Gamble) 

Source and credits:

 http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123056422