Final answer:
The first endorsement for the recommendation of an Air Medal must come from no lower than a wing or group level commander. This procedure ensures that awards like the Air Medal maintain their integrity and are recommended by personnel with sufficient authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
For the recommendation of an Air Medal or a military award of a higher precedence, submissions must follow the proper protocol through the operational chain of command. Specifically, the first endorsement for such awards must be initiated at no lower than a wing or group level commander, depending on the service branch's specific regulations. The strategic intent here is to maintain a high standard for the awards and ensure that they are endorsed by personnel at a sufficiently high level of authority who can attest to the merits of the award and the actions of the individual being recommended for the honor. The Air Medal itself is awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.