The Distinguished flying cross

The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is the third-level military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, instituted for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy".
The award was established on 3 June 1918, shortly after the formation of the Royal Air Force (RAF). It was originally awarded to RAF commissioned and warrant officers. During the Second World War, it was also awarded to Royal Artillery officers serving on attachment to the RAF as pilots-cum-artillery observers. Since the Second World War, the award has been open to army and naval aviation officers, and to other ranks since 1993, when the Distinguished Flying Medal, which had until then been awarded to other ranks, was discontinued.
Awarded by United Kingdom and Commonwealth
Type Military decoration
Eligibility British, Commonwealth, and allied forces
Awarded for ... exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air.[1]
Status Currently awarded
Statistics
Established 3 June 1918
Total awarded George V: 11,227
George VI: 21,657
Total: 32,884
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinguished_Flying_Cross_(United_Kingdom)