Awards | Order of St. Michael

The legend of Saint Michael defeating the dragon exemplifies the bravery and gallantry associated with the aviation soldier as well as the boldness and swiftness of aviation on the battlefield. As a brave warrior and protector, Saint Michael is the embodiment of courage and justice and is an appropriate symbol of excellence in Army Aviation.

The Order of Saint Micheal Award was established in 1990 as a joint venture between the AAAA and the U.S. Army Aviation Center (USAAVNC). This award recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of Army Aviation in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient's seniors, subordinates, and peers. These individuals must demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and moral character, display an outstanding degree of professional competence, and serve the United States Army Aviation or civilian aviation community with distinction. The AAAA is the sponsoring agency and provides financial resources, administrative control, and publicity.

SELECTION PROCESS


Gold Award: The National Executive Board, AAAA (allow sixty days for processing action). When the nomination cannot be processed in a timely fashion by the National Executive Board, the Order of Saint Michael Selection Committee consisting of the members of the AAAA Executive Group, the Chairman of the AAAA Awards Committee, and two members of the Awards Committee appointed by the Awards Committee Chairman, are authorized to act for the National Executive Board (allow sixty days for processing action).

Silver Award: The National Executive Board, AAAA (allow sixty days for processing action). When the nomination cannot be processed in a timely fashion by the National Executive Board, the Order of Saint Michael Selection Committee consisting of the Chairman of the AAAA Awards Committee and two members of the Awards Committee appointed by the Awards Committee Chairman, are authorized to act for the National Executive Board (allow sixty days for processing action).

Bronze Award: The President of the local AAAA Chapter (allow 30 days for processing). In instances where a local AAAA Chapter is not applicable or when the local President is nominated, the Approving Authority is the National Executive Board, AAAA (allow sixty days for processing action). When the nomination cannot be processed in a timely fashion by the National Executive Board, the Order of Saint Michael Selection Committee consisting of the Chairman of the AAAA Awards Committee and two members of the Awards Committee appointed by the Awards Committee Chairman, are authorized to act for the National Executive Board (allow sixty days for processing).
RECENT OSM RECIPIENTS
COL (Ret) Melvin J. McLemore
Silver OSM awarded 7 MAY 2010.
MAJ (Ret) Alvin A. Abejon
Silver OSM awarded 10 FEB 2011.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Nominees must have served in Army Aviation or the civilian aviation community with distinction; demonstrated a significant conspicuous contribution in support of the Aviation Branch; must represent the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence, and dedication to duty. The Tennessee Valley Chapter requires Nominators and Nominees for this award be active AAAA members.
AWARD CRITERIA

Gold Medal - The awardee has made significant and lasting contributions to Army Aviation.

Silver Medal - The awardee has made an outstanding contribution to Army Aviation.

Bronze Medal - The awardee has made a conspicuous contribution to Army Aviation and support of the Branch.

HOW TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION
  1. Download the Order of Saint Michael Award Nomination Form
    You will need Adobe Acrobat to view this file.
  2. Fill out the Order of Saint Michael Award Nomination form which includes a 100-word summary of the individual's accomplishments.
  3. Include additional information, up to three pages or 1,500 words (whichever is greater) amplifying the accomplishments of the nominee.
  4. Include a recent photograph of the nominee, any size, preferably in color
  5. Include appropriate payment.
  6. All entries must be typed to assist in the photo copying of data.
  7. Completed packages must be sent to the local AAAA Chapter President for approval. If there is no local chapter, submissions must be sent to the AAAA National Executive Director

Gold & Silver nominations will be forwarded from the local chapter to the AAAA National Office. Bronze nominations will be retained locally.

Please note that nomination materials including photographs cannot be returned.

NOTIFICATION & PRESENTATION
  • Recipients shall receive the Medallion of the Order of St. Michael, a Certificate, and a Lapel Pin. Download the guidelines for appropriate display of Lapel Pin & Medalion. (Adobe Acrobat Format)
  • The AAAA National Office will notify the recipient through the nominator for Silver and Gold awards.
  • Bronze award nominees will be notified by the local Chapter President.
  • The nominator will be responsible for induction of the recipient into the Order of Saint Michael and presentation of the medallion and certificate.