The Navy Military Awards Database consolidates medals, ribbons, and campaign recognitions earned during sea and shore service. This reference supports personnel, families, and historians in accurately documenting naval honors.
Below is a structured overview of major award categories, eligibility cues, and documentation pathways for Navy service members.
| Award Type | Typical Criteria | Issuing Authority | Digital Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medal of Honor | Valor above and beyond duty | President in name of Congress | Military Personnel Records |
| Navy Cross | Extraordinary heroism in combat | Secretary of the Navy | eAwards, DEERS internal modules |
| Silver Star | Gallantry against enemy | Secretary of the Navy | National Archives electronic requests |
| Combat Action Ribbon | Engaged with enemy under fire | Type Commanders / NAVPERSCOM | Unit awards database, MyNavy HR |
| Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal | Meritorious service or achievement | Commanding Officer per distribution | Unit award management systems |
Navy Combat Awards and Operational Recognition
Criteria and Order of Precedence
Combat awards follow strict precedence rules that determine placement on ribbons and uniforms. Understanding this hierarchy ensures accurate display and avoids submission errors in official records.
The Navy's order of precedence prioritizes valor awards above campaign and service decorations. Unit awards may modify individual recognition when earned under joint operations.
Navy Service Ribbon Campaigns and Expeditionary Eligibility
Expeditionary Service and Sea Service
Service and campaign ribbons acknowledge time in specific theaters, operations, or ship deployments. Each ribbon has detailed eligibility tied to dates, locations, and duty type.
Expeditionary awards often require formal verification of landing or deployment orders. Personnel transitioning between fleets should reconcile overlapping service periods to prevent double credit.
Navy Civilian and Officer Professional Recognition
Meritorious Service and Leadership Awards
Civilian and officer recognition programs highlight sustained excellence, technical expertise, and leadership impact. These awards support career development and succession planning.
Review boards evaluate measurable contributions, mentorship outcomes, and alignment with Navy strategic goals. Strong documentation increases competitiveness for senior level honors.
Navy Awards Modernization and Digital Access
eAWARDS and Personnel Record Management
Digital platforms streamline award nomination, validation, and public display. Integrated personnel systems reduce paperwork and improve accuracy across commands.
Users must verify profile data, unit codes, and eligibility flags before submission. Regular audits help resolve discrepancies and accelerate future access requests.
Key Takeaways for Navy Awards Management
- Verify award order of precedence before displaying ribbons on uniforms or diplomas.
- Maintain digital and paper copies of all orders, citations, and command endorsements.
- Use official electronic portals for nominations, corrections, and replacement requests.
- Cross-check eligibility dates and operational areas to ensure accurate campaign credit.
- Engage your command awards manager early for complex or contested entries.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I locate a specific Navy award in the electronic database?
Access MyNavy HR or the Defense Finance and Accounting Service portal using your Common Access Card. Navigate to the Awards and Decorations module, enter the name or DOD Identification Code, and review the details screen for issuing authority and date of award.
What documents are needed to request a replacement Navy medal or ribbon bar?
Submit a formal request through eAwards or your command awards manager, including a copy of your military ID, DD-214 if applicable, and any supporting correspondence. If original documentation is unavailable, provide sworn statements and unit award logs to support the replacement.
Can prior Navy service awards from other branches be transferred or consolidated?
Yes, prior service awards may be reviewed and entered into Navy records after verification of entitlement. Provide original orders or certification from the issuing branch, and follow the command awards office guidance for cross-service integration and precedence alignment.
What is the timeline for approving a Navy valor or combat award nomination?
Valor and combat nominations typically require extensive evidence, eyewitness statements, and command endorsement, followed by review at higher authority levels. Processing can take several months; track the nomination number and maintain copies of all submitted materials for reference.