Design 7 Navy Awards & Decorations: Ultimate Guide

Unveiling the Prestige: A Comprehensive Guide to the Navy’s 7 Most Distinguished Awards and Decorations

The Navy’s awards and decorations are a testament to the bravery, dedication, and outstanding achievements of its personnel. These honors not only recognize individual excellence but also serve as a source of inspiration for all sailors. In this ultimate guide, we will explore the seven most prestigious Navy awards, delving into their significance, criteria, and the stories they represent.

1. The Medal of Honor: Supreme Valor and Sacrifice

At the pinnacle of Navy awards stands the Medal of Honor, a symbol of unparalleled bravery and sacrifice. This prestigious decoration is awarded to those who, while engaged in military operations against an enemy of the United States, distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty.

Eligibility and Criteria:

• The Medal of Honor is reserved for acts of extraordinary heroism in combat situations.
• Nominees must have demonstrated exceptional bravery, courage, and selflessness.
• The action must have been performed at the risk of the nominee’s life.
• The nomination process involves a thorough investigation and review by the Navy Board of Decoration and Awards.

History and Notable Recipients:

• The Medal of Honor has a rich history, dating back to the Civil War.
• It has been awarded to sailors for acts of bravery in various conflicts, including World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terrorism.
• Notable recipients include John Mason, who received the medal for his actions during the Civil War, and Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who sacrificed his life to save his teammates in Iraq.

2. The Navy Cross: Courage and Heroism

The Navy Cross is the second-highest award for valor, presented to those who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps in combat against an armed enemy, distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism. This decoration recognizes acts of bravery that do not meet the criteria for the Medal of Honor but still embody exceptional courage and selflessness.

Eligibility and Criteria:

• The Navy Cross is awarded for acts of extraordinary heroism in combat.
• Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding bravery and leadership.
• The action must have been performed under hostile conditions.
• The nomination process involves a detailed review by the Navy Board of Decoration and Awards.

Notable Recipients and Stories:

• Edward “Iceberg” Smith, a Navy pilot during World War II, received the Navy Cross for his bravery in attacking a German battleship.
• Kelly Moore, a Navy SEAL, was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during a rescue mission in Afghanistan.
• The Navy Cross has been awarded to sailors from various branches, including the Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, and surface warfare officers.

3. The Distinguished Service Medal: Outstanding Service

The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. This decoration recognizes outstanding leadership, achievement, and contribution to the Navy’s mission.

Eligibility and Criteria:

• The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded for exceptional meritorious service.
• Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding leadership, management, and professional competence.
• The service must have been performed in a position of great responsibility.
• The nomination process involves a comprehensive evaluation by the Navy Board of Decoration and Awards.

Notable Recipients and Achievements:

• Admiral William H. McRaven, a Navy SEAL and former commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, received the Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership and contributions to special operations.
• Vice Admiral Michelle Howard, the first female four-star admiral in the Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for her outstanding service and leadership.
• The medal has been awarded to sailors for their contributions to various fields, including intelligence, logistics, and medical services.

4. The Silver Star Medal: Valor in Combat

The Silver Star Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. This decoration recognizes acts of bravery and heroism in combat situations.

Eligibility and Criteria:

• The Silver Star Medal is awarded for gallantry in combat.
• Nominees must have demonstrated exceptional bravery and selflessness.
• The action must have been performed under hostile conditions.
• The nomination process involves a detailed review by the Navy Board of Decoration and Awards.

Notable Recipients and Stories:

• Edward “Butch” O’Hare, a Navy pilot during World War II, received the Silver Star Medal for his bravery in attacking a Japanese fleet.
• Ryan Job, a Navy SEAL, was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his actions during a rescue mission in Afghanistan.
• The medal has been awarded to sailors from various branches, including the Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, and aviation personnel.

5. The Legion of Merit: Meritorious Service and Achievement

The Legion of Merit is a prestigious award presented to members of the Armed Forces of the United States and friendly foreign nations who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. This decoration recognizes outstanding leadership, achievement, and contribution to the Navy’s mission.

Eligibility and Criteria:

• The Legion of Merit is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct and achievement.
• Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding leadership, management, and professional competence.
• The service must have been performed in a position of significant responsibility.
• The nomination process involves a thorough evaluation by the Navy Board of Decoration and Awards.

Notable Recipients and Achievements:

• Admiral Eric T. Olson, a Navy SEAL and former commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, received the Legion of Merit for his leadership and contributions to special operations.
• Vice Admiral Nora Tyson, the first female four-star admiral in the Navy’s operational fleet, was awarded the Legion of Merit for her outstanding service and leadership.
• The medal has been awarded to sailors for their contributions to various fields, including intelligence, cyber operations, and maritime security.

6. The Bronze Star Medal: Valor and Meritorious Service

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight. This decoration recognizes acts of bravery and meritorious service in combat and non-combat situations.

Eligibility and Criteria:

• The Bronze Star Medal is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service.
• Nominees must have demonstrated exceptional bravery or outstanding professional competence.
• The action or service must have been performed under combat or non-combat conditions.
• The nomination process involves a comprehensive review by the Navy Board of Decoration and Awards.

Notable Recipients and Stories:

• Douglas Albert Munro, a Coast Guard signalman during World War II, received the Bronze Star Medal posthumously for his bravery in rescuing marines under heavy fire.
• Chelsea Benning, a Navy hospital corpsman, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for her medical expertise and bravery during a deployment in Afghanistan.
• The medal has been awarded to sailors from various branches, including the Navy Medical Corps, Construction Battalions, and Special Operations Forces.

7. The Meritorious Service Medal: Outstanding Service and Achievement

The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in a position of responsibility, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States. This decoration recognizes outstanding leadership, achievement, and contribution to the Navy’s mission.

Eligibility and Criteria:

• The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded for exceptionally meritorious service.
• Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding leadership, management, and professional competence.
• The service must have been performed in a position of significant responsibility.
• The nomination process involves a detailed evaluation by the Navy Board of Decoration and Awards.

Notable Recipients and Achievements:

• Admiral Scott Swift, a Navy admiral and former commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, received the Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership and contributions to naval operations.
• Vice Admiral James F. Caldwell Jr., a submarine force officer, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding service and contributions to submarine warfare.
• The medal has been awarded to sailors for their achievements in various fields, including engineering, maintenance, and personnel management.

The Legacy of Navy Awards

The Navy’s awards and decorations serve as a testament to the bravery, dedication, and outstanding achievements of its personnel. These honors not only recognize individual excellence but also inspire future generations of sailors to strive for greatness. Each award has its own unique history and significance, representing the highest ideals of the Navy and the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions