Originally established on May 1, 1961, the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal was first a ribbon-only award. The current military medal was authorized by the Secretary of the Navy on July 17, 1967.
It is lower than the Commendation Medal and is awarded to members of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps or members of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation that meet the eligibility requirements.
The Achievement Medal is given for meritorious service or achievement in combat or non-combat situations where such actions merit more recognition than a fitness report but do not warrant a Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal or higher. Additionally, the Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the reserves that are junior officers or enlisted personnel.
Designed by the Institute of Heraldry, the medal is a bronze square with clipped corners featuring a fouled anchor in the center. There are stars in each of the four corners. The back of the medal is blank so that the recipient’s name can be engraved, and the ribbon is myrtle green with stripers of orange near each edge. Additional awards are denoted by gold stars, and a Combat Distinguishing Device (Combat “V”) may be authorized.
To receive an Achievement Medal, individuals must demonstrate one of two characteristics:
- Professional achievement that clearly exceed the normal requirements and expectations given the individual’s grade and experience and be an important contribution that benefits the United States and the naval service
- Leadership achievement that is noteworthy, sustained or of such merit to earn singular recognition of the act(s), reflect well on the individual’s effort to accomplish the unit mission
While both medals—Commendation Medal and Achievement Medal—can also be given for non-combat situations, the Navy and Marine Corps also has a medal just for non-combat acts, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.