Established on February 17, 1969, the Navy/Marine Corps version of the Combat Action Ribbon honors Navy and Marine Corps members who carry out satisfactory active service onshore or in seaborne engagement with hostile forces. Prior to 2008, Coast Guard awardees also received the Navy/Marine Corps version. read more »
Established on February 6, 1942, the Navy Presidential Unit Citation recognizes acts of heroism or unusually excellent conduct by operating units of the United States Navy or Marine Corps of a nature that would warrant the Navy Cross if performed individually and that sets them apart from other units. It may also be awarded to friendly foreign units. read more »
Established on June 4, 1981, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award honors superior unit service in joint activities on behalf of the Department of Defense in excess of expectations and in the event of combat against hostile forces, a national emergency, or other extenuating circumstances affecting the nation. Service dating back to January 23, 1979 is eligible and must have been carried out over a minimum term of thirty days. read more »
Established on June 4, 1981, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award honors superior unit service in joint activities on behalf of the Department of Defense in excess of expectations and in the event of combat against hostile forces, a national emergency, or other extenuating circumstances affecting the nation. read more »
Established on December 19, 1944, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon honors Navy and Marine Corps units that set themselves apart through feats of valor in combat or through exceptional service in non-combat circumstances. read more »
Created on July 17, 1967, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon honors Navy and Marine Corps units that distinguish themselves through outstanding service or feats of valor of a nature that would warrant the Bronze Star if undertaken individually or of a comparable individual award if performed under circumstances not involving combat. read more »
Established in June of 1976, the Navy E Ribbon replaced the Battle Efficiency Award. It honors Navy members on ships that win battle efficiency competitions on or subsequent to July 1, 1974. read more »
Established on June 20, 1874, the Gold Lifesaving Medal honors individuals, military or civilian, who rescue a person from water-related hazards such as drowning or shipwreck. read more »
The Joint Chiefs of Staff Distinguished Public Service Ribbon honors individuals not primarily employed by the United States government who make outstanding contributions or carry out other noteworthy service on behalf of the Department of Defense, Joint Staff, or subsidiary bodies in the spirit of public improvement. It is the highest public service award bestowed by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. read more »
The Joint Chiefs of Staff Outstanding Public Service Ribbon honors individuals not primarily employed by the United States government who make outstanding contributions or carry out other noteworthy service on behalf of the Department of Defense, Joint Staff, or subsidiary bodies in the spirit of public improvement; qualifying service is of a lesser degree than would warrant the Joint Chiefs of Staff Distinguished Public Service Ribbon. read more »
Established on June 20, 1874, the Silver Lifesaving Medal honors individuals, military or civilian, who rescue a person from water-related hazards such as drowning or shipwreck. read more »
Established on November 8, 1985, the Prisoner of War Medal honors U.S. military personnel who became a prisoner of war on or after April 5 of 1917 while carrying out service with the United States Armed Forces or friendly foreign forces against an enemy group. read more »
Created in 1869, the Good Conduct Medal may be presented to any active member of the United States military who demonstrates three uninterrupted years of honorable behavior in service. read more »
Established in 1962, the Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal honors Navy Reservists who carry out three (from 1997 onward) or four (prior to 1997) years of honorable service, including a minimum attendance rate of 85 percent at all scheduled drills. read more »
Created in 1984, the Fleet Marine Force Ribbon honors U.S. Navy members who carried out service with the Marine Corps between 1984 and 2006, demanding skills and qualifications in excess of those typically expected of Navy personnel. The award was discontinued in 2006 with the authorization of the Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer Insignia and the Fleet Marine Force Enlisted Warfare Specialist programs. read more »
Established on August 15, 1936, the Navy Expeditionary Medal honors U.S. Navy members who have participated in a foreign landing, engaged in combat against an enemy force, or carried out service in qualifying operations for which there is no other corresponding award. read more »
Established on August 23, 1940, the China Service Medal honor members of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard who carried out service between July 7, 1937 and September 7, 1939 and/or between September 2, 1945 and April 1, 1957. To be eligible, personnel must have served on shore in China or on designated vessels supporting operations in China. read more »
Created by the United States Department of War in December 1917, the Mexican Service Medal was awarded to military personnel who carried out duties against hostile Mexican parties during designated periods between 1911 and 1919 amid what is generally referred to as the Border War or Border Campaign. read more »