In 1943, the Navy and Coast Guard offered the first Commendation Medals. These military ribbons were not available as military medals at that time. By 1960, these Navy ribbons were joined by Navy Commendation Medals. However, the Marine Corps shared the Navy version of these ribbons and medals until the decorations were renamed the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal in 1994.
These military decorations are a mid-level awards presented to service persons for acts of heroism and meritorious service. If the valorous action that earns the Navy Commendation Medal is performed in direct contact with an enemy force, the Valor Device “V” may be worn on the decoration. The actions for which these military ribbons are awarded are considered to be of a lesser degree than those required to win the Bonze Star. The Navy Commendation Medal is worn below the Silver Life Saving Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal, but above the Joint Services Achievement Medal. The Navy denotes additional awards of these military ribbons with silver and gold Award Stars.
The Navy Commendation Medal is generally available as full size military medals, military mini medals, military ribbons, and lapel pins. Like most military medals, they are available as traditional slide-on, full size military medals or mini-medals, slide-on military ribbons, and thin military medals, mini-medals and ribbons.