US Navy medals and ribbons recognize heroic service, career milestones, and overseas duty, reflecting a sailor’s commitment and sacrifice. Each decoration tells a story of leadership, operational participation, and adherence to Navy core values.
Understanding the criteria, appearance, and order of precedence helps personnel, families, and historians accurately interpret the meaning behind each award displayed on a uniform.
| Decoration | Typical Criteria | Service Branch | Ribbon Color Pattern | Devices Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medal of Honor | Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty | All Navy personnel | Light blue with dark blue center stripe | 5/16 inch gold star, rosette, "V" device |
| Navy Cross | Extraordinary heroism not justifying Medal of Honor | All Navy personnel | Navy blue with white center stripe | 5/16 inch gold star, bronze oak leaf cluster, "V" device |
| Silver Star | Gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States | All Navy personnel | Blue-white-red vertical stripes | 5/16 inch gold star, bronze oak leaf cluster, "V" device |
| Defense Meritorious Service Medal | Meritorious service in joint duty under DoD control | Joint service | Blue-yellow-red center stripe | Bronze oak leaf cluster, "V" device |
| Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal | Meritorious achievement or service, not involving combat | Navy and Marine Corps | Light blue with white center stripe and red edges | Gold star, bronze oak leaf cluster, "V" device |
Medal of Honor and Top Heroic Awards
Criteria and Significance
The Medal of Honor stands as the highest military award in the United States, reserved for acts of valor that involve grave personal risk or self-sacrifice. For the Navy, the Navy Cross follows in precedence and honors extraordinary heroism not rising to the level of the Medal of Honor. Service members in combat zones often find their actions evaluated against these exacting standards.
Ribbon Design and Devices
Each top heroic decoration uses distinct ribbon color schemes and may include devices such as 5/16 inch gold stars, bronze oak leaf clusters, silver oak leaf clusters, and the "V" device to denote valor or participation in specific operations. Understanding these markers helps identify the level of heroism and the operational context of the award.
Campaign and Expeditionary Service
Recognition for Operational Service
Campaign and expeditionary medals acknowledge participation in designated operations and areas of service, reflecting a sailor’s role in national defense and stability missions. These awards often form a visible record of operational tempo and support to theater commanders.
Navy Expeditionary Medal and Related Awards
The Navy Expeditionary Medal and subsequent iterations such as the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal provide a framework for recognizing deployment to contingency operations and humanitarian missions. Ribbon patterns, authorized devices, and timeframes are carefully specified to maintain uniformity across fleet and shore activities.
Career and Training Recognition
Good Conduct and Service Medals
Good Conduct Medals reward exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity during enlisted service, while various service and training awards mark professional development milestones. These recognitions encourage steady advancement, retention, and pride in long-term Navy careers.
Training Ribbons and Marksmanship Awards
Ribbons for expert rifle and pistol marksmanship, professional military education completion, and technical training highlight the importance of precision and continuous skill development. Together they demonstrate a commitment to operational readiness and individual excellence.
Display and Accurate Representation
Proper wear, accurate order, and authorized devices ensure that each medal and ribbon reflects a sailor’s achievements with precision and respect. Personnel should regularly review uniform regulations to maintain correct presentation and honor the legacy of their service.
- Review the latest Navy Uniform Regulations for current wear order and device policies
- Verify award eligibility using service records and previous unit award documentation
- Ensure ribbon mounting and miniature versions comply for duty and dress uniforms
- Use official channels to request corrections or updates to awards records
- Educate peers and successors on the meaning behind each medal and ribbon
FAQ
Reader questions
What determines the precedence order for Navy medals and ribbons on a uniform? Precedence follows wear order specified in Navy Uniform Regulations, with specific positions for personal decorations, campaign medals, service awards, and marksmanship ribbons, ensuring a standardized and respectful display. Can a single action or deployment qualify for more than one Navy medal or ribbon?
Yes, when different elements of service are recognized, such as valor plus participation in a designated operation, multiple decorations may be authorized, provided each meets distinct criteria and does not duplicate the same accomplishment.
What are the most common ribbon devices used on Navy awards?
Common devices include 5/16 inch gold stars for additional awards, bronze and silver oak leaf clusters, the "V" device for valor, and Fleet Marine Force or Navy and Marine Corps unit awards, each conveying specific details about the service or operation.
How can veterans verify which Navy medals and ribbons they have earned?
Veterans can review their Official Military Personnel File, consult with their command's personnel office, or check DD Form 214 and service records to confirm awards and ensure uniform compliance with current wear policies.