Navy Cross

The Navy Cross is the second-highest military decoration awarded for extraordinary heroism in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Here’s a detailed overview: **Authorization and Effective Date**: The Navy Cross is authorized under 10 U.S.C. §8292 and Executive Order 13830, with an effective date of April 6, 1917. **Criteria and Eligibility Requirements**: - The Navy Cross is awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps. - Eligible actions include engagements against an enemy, military operations involving conflicts with opposing foreign forces, or supporting allied forces in conflicts where the U.S. is not directly involved. - To merit this decoration, the act must occur in the presence of great danger and be of such significance that it renders the individual conspicuous among their comrades. - It is important to note that the award is given for a singular act of valor, not for an accumulation of minor acts of heroism. **Order of Precedence**: The Navy Cross is positioned just below the Medal of Honor and above the Silver Star Medal in the order of precedence for military decorations. **Foreign Personnel**: The Navy Cross may also be awarded to foreign military personnel. **Subsequent Awards**: Each subsequent award of the Navy Cross is denoted by a 5/16-inch gold star on the ribbon, with a 5/16-inch silver star representing five gold stars. **Authorized Devices**: In addition to the gold or silver stars for subsequent awards, the Navy Cross can be awarded with a “C” device to denote that the award was for meritorious achievement or service under combat conditions. **Presentation and Documentation**: The award is typically accompanied by a citation, and the details of the heroism are formally documented in the recipient's personal military record. **Notable Recipients**: Numerous individuals have received the Navy Cross for their extraordinary actions during combat, thus establishing a rich history of valor associated with this award. Specific notable recipients often include those whose acts have been highlighted in military histories, but detailed names are not specified in the regulations. The Navy Cross represents a significant acknowledgment of bravery and selflessness in military service, and it upholds the standards of heroism that are foundational to the ethos of the Navy and Marine Corps.