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Glite Dictionary
Distinguished Flying Cross

Distinguished Flying Cross

1 7.1
A United States military medal given for heroism or great achievement in flying
  • proper noun
  • /dɪsˈtɪŋɡwɪʃt ˈflaɪɪŋ krɔs/
  • Formal
translation icon : Cruz de Vuelo Distinguida
  • The Distinguished Flying Cross is a prestigious military honor.

Examples

  • He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery during the aerial rescue mission.

  • Captain James was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after his heroic mission over enemy territory.

  • Receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross is considered one of the highest honors for aviators in the United States military.

  • She proudly displayed her late father's Distinguished Flying Cross alongside his other medals.

  • Captain Smith received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery.

  • The pilot proudly displayed his Distinguished Flying Cross at the ceremony honoring veterans.

  • Receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross marked a significant moment in her military career.

Surface Forms

Distinguished Flying Cross main
Distinguished Flying Crosses main

Morphology

distinguished + flying + cross

The phrase combines predictable elements — 'distinguished' (notable), 'flying' (aircraft/aerial) and 'cross' (a type of medal or symbol) — so a learner who knows the words can plausibly infer it refers to a decoration for notable aerial achievement. However, it is a fixed, culture-specific name for a military award with connotations of heroism and official status that are not fully deducible from the parts alone, so full understanding may require prior exposure.

Etymology

The Distinguished Flying Cross is named after a medal given to pilots for brave deeds in the sky. The word cross shows the medal's shape, flying points to air missions, and distinguished means 'known for brave or special deeds', so the name became a way to honor 'heroism in the air'.