Navy Unit Commendation

The Secretary of the Navy established the Navy Unit Commendation in December of 1944. These Navy and Marine Corps medals are awarded in the name of the Secretary of the Navy to any ship, aircraft, detachment, or other unit of the Navy or Marine Corps which has distinguished itself in action against an enemy. To earn these Navy ribbons the unit must have performed acts of heroism that are equal to those which would earn an individual the prestigious US military medals know as Silver Stars, but are still deemed insufficient to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation. These Navy medals can also be presented for support of military operations which are outstanding compared to units performing similar service, even though the support unit is not directly engaged in combat with the enemy. Occasionally, U.S. Army units can receive the Navy Unit Commendation provided the service being rewarded is performed while they are directly attached or assigned to a U.S. Navy or Marine Corps unit. In this case, the Army recipients of these medals of America would wear them above the right breast pocket with other unit awards. The general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all military ribbons and medals specifies that the Navy Unit Commendation be worn below the Presidential Unit Citation, and above the Meritorious Unit Commendation. It is considered the equivalent of the Defense Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Army’s Valorous Unit Award, the Air Force Gallant Unit Citation, and the Coast Guard Unit Commendation. A Unit Banner has been approved for display.