Cheney Award

The Cheney Award is an aviation award presented by the United States Air Force in memory of 1st Lt. William Cheney, who was killed in an air collision over Italy in 1918. It was established in 1927, and is awarded to an airman for an act of valor, extreme fortitude or self-sacrifice in a humanitarian interest, performed in connection with aircraft, but not necessarily of a military nature.

History
The Cheney award was established in 1927 in honor of First lieutenant William H. Cheney who was killed January 20, 1918 when his airplane crashed in Foggia,Italy. It is an annual award presented to United States Air Force members and is selected and presented by the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. The nominees are selected based upon a demonstrated "act of valor, extreme fortitude, or self-sacrifice in a humanitarian interest, performed in connection with aircraft, but not necessarily of a military nature by an Air Force officer or enlisted member." Additionally, the event must have occurred within the same calendar year the award would be presented. Recipients of the Cheney award receive a certificate, a bronze plaque and their name is placed on an honorarium with other recipients of the award.