Navy Cross

Navy Cross
TypeService cross medal
Awarded forExtraordinary heroism in combat
Presented byUnited States Department of the Navy[1]
EligibilityMarines and naval sailors of the United States
StatusCurrently awarded
EstablishedAct of Congress (Public Law 65-253), approved on February 4, 1919.
First awarded1919
Totalc. 5,400 (as of December 2017)[2]
Precedence
Next (higher)Medal of Honor
Equivalent
Next (lower)Department of Defense: Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Department of Homeland Security: Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal

The Navy Cross is the United States Naval Service's second-highest military decoration awarded for sailors and marines who distinguish themselves for extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force.[3] The medal is equivalent to the Army's Distinguished Service Cross, the Air and Space Forces' Air Force Cross, and the Coast Guard Cross.

The Navy Cross is bestowed by the Secretary of the Navy and may also be awarded to members of the other armed services, and to foreign military personnel while serving with the U.S. Naval Service. The Navy Cross was established by Act of Congress (Public Law 65-253) and approved on February 4, 1919.

  1. ^ "Navy and Marine Corps awards manual" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-09-18. Retrieved 2018-01-10.
  2. ^ "Recipients of the Navy Cross". valor.militarytimes.com. Archived from the original on 2017-12-09.
  3. ^ SECNAVYINST 2006, 1650.1H, P. 2--22&23