The Navy and Marine Corps Medal

Time Period: Second World War
Institution: 7 August 1942
Country: United States

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism to the members of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps.

The medal was established by an act of Congress on 7 August 1942 and it was first bestowed during World War II (as retroactive to 6 December 1941). During the mid-20th century, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal was awarded instead of the Silver or Gold Lifesaving Medal, for sea rescues involving risk to life.

For heroic performance to rise to this level it must be clearly established that the act involved very specific life-threatening risk to the awardee.

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal Criteria

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is typically awarded for actions taken to save or attempt to save the lives of others, such as rescuing individuals from drowning, providing aid during a disaster, or protecting others from harm. It is also presented to those who display significant courage in non-combat situations, such as when risking their lives to protect naval or marine assets or personnel.

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal Design

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is an octagonal bronze medal.

The obverse of the Navy and Marine Corps medal depicts an eagle holding a fouled anchor over a globe. The word Heroism is inscribed below the globe.

The medal’s ribbon is three equal stripes of navy blue, old gold, and apple red.

Additional awards of the medal are denoted by gold or silver ⁵⁄₁₆ inch stars.