Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal

In 1981, the Navy became the first branch of the U.S. Armed Services to award an Achievement Medal. Navy Achievement Medals are awarded to Navy and Marine Corps personnel for outstanding achievement or meritorious service that would not warrant the receipt of the Commendation Medal. These military medals of America were created specifically to commend the performance of junior officers and enlisted personnel, who are not generally eligible to receive Commendation Medals or Meritorious Service Medals, and are awarded by the local commander. The Valor device may be awarded to personnel who earn one of these US military medals or military ribbons in combat situations while serving in the Navy or Marine Corps.
Navy Achievement Medals are worn below the Joint Services Achievement Medal and any of the individual service’s Commendation Medals, and above the Combat Action Ribbon in the general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all Navy and Marine Corps insignia. Additional awards of these military medals and ribbons are indicated by silver and gold Award Stars.