Navy and Marine Corps Commendation
Military Medal & Military Ribbon

a. Authorization. ALNAV 11 of 11 January 1944 authorized the Navy Commendation Ribbon, and on 22 March 1950 SECNAV established the medal pendant for this award. On 21 September 1960, SECNAV changed the name of the award to the Navy Commendation Medal. On 19 August 1994, SECNAV changed the name of the award to the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

b. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Eligibility Requirements. Awarded to individuals (including foreign military personnel) who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves on or after 7 December 1941, by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. To merit the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal award, the acts or services must be accomplished or performed in a manner above that normally expected, and sufficient to distinguish the individual above those performing similar services as set forth in the following:

(1) Heroic Achievement or Service. Act (s) of heroism worthy of special recognition, but not to the degree required for the Bronze Star Medal when combat is involved, or the Navy and Marine Corps Medal when combat is not involved.

(2) Meritorious Achievement or Service. A single achievement or a period of service worthy of special recognition, but not to the degree required for the Bronze Star Medal or Air Medal when combat is involved, or the Meritorious Service Medal or Air Medal when combat is not involved.

(a) An award for meritorious service may cover an extended period of time; such award does not preclude an additional award for a specific act within that period, if warranted. The criteria, however, should not be the period of service involved, but rather the circumstances and conditions under which the service was performed.

(b) The performance should be well above that usually expected of an individual commensurate with his or her grade or rate, and above that degree of excellence that can be appropriately reflected in. the individual's fitness report, performance evaluation, or personnel record.

c. Combat Distinguishing Device. The Combat Distinguishing Device may be authorized for this Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Authorized Devices: Gold Star, Silver Star, Bronze V