United States Navy Awards and Decorations are given to the Navy Veterans and Sailors for their recognizable service and personal accomplishments in the US Navy. These decorations are awarded under the authority of Secretary of the Navy. All Marine and Navy members are eligible to receive inter-service and international decorations. Few famous and well-known US Navy awards are mentioned below.
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Navy Cross This is the highest decoration that the US Navy can award any member, for their extraordinary heroism against enemy or military operation. To earn this award the act of commended must be performed involving great personal risk or great danger. |
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal This decoration is awarded to the Navy members who perform exceptionally with meritorious service, and a duty of immense responsibility for the US Government. This award is normally given to the senior most officer of the US Navy. |
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal This is the non-combatant second highest medal awarded by the US Navy to the member for heroism shown for the action involving the risk of one’s own life. |
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Commendation Medal This is the mid-level decoration is presented by US Navy, for the heroism of the member and meritorious service. This award was originally a ribbon, and was first issued in 1943 by the US Navy Department. |
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Achievement Medal This award is given to the member of US Navy for their outstanding performance in their service. It is generally awarded to officers and is designed for junior personal. It is commonly called as NAM (Navy Achievement Medal). |
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Navy Expeditionary Medal This award is bestowed to the Navy members who have actually crossed the border and landed into the enemy’s territory, facing the opposition. |
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Good Conduct Medal This decoration is one of the oldest medals of the United States Military. This award is given to the Navy’s active members, after performing honorable and faithful service for three years. |
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Reserve Good Conduct Medal This decoration is bestowed upon the Navy members who are active in service. They are given this award for their contribution in operation and training in the form of annual training, drill and other military operations. |
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Navy Unit Commendation This decoration is awarded to the members of Navy for their outstanding non-combat situational performance. This award is given to the Sectary of the ship. Apart from the extraordinary performance against the enemy the member has to lead an exceptional support in the military operation. |
