Navy Expeditionary Medal

The Navy Expeditionary Medal (NEM) was authorized by the Navy Department General Order No. 84 on August 5, 1936. Its creation recognized U.S. Navy personnel who engaged in operations against armed opposition on foreign soil or participated in military operations where special recognition was warranted, and no other campaign, expeditionary, or service medal was authorized. Eligibility criteria specify that the NEM is awarded to Navy personnel who have actually landed on foreign territory and have engaged in operations against armed opposition, or who were under circumstances that warranted special recognition. This includes individuals who were attached to one of the approved ships or units during the defined eligibility periods and who actively participated in specific operations. Personnel in rear support or transient duties are generally not eligible unless they made significant contributions, certified by local command【4:1†source】. Notable operations that qualify for the NEM include: - Lebanon: August 20, 1982 - May 31, 1983 - Libya: January 20, 1986 - June 27, 1986 - Persian Gulf: February 1, 1987 - July 23, 1987 - Liberia: August 5, 1990 - February 21, 1991 - Rwanda: April 7, 1994 - April 18, 1994 - Eritrea: June 6, 1998 - June 25, 1998 - USS Cole Response: October 12, 2000 - December 15, 2002【4:1†source】. The awarding authority for the NEM is the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), who approves operations for NEM qualification. Commanding officers authorized to award the Navy Achievement Medal (NAM) may also confer the NEM to eligible personnel【4:1†source】. For subsequent awards, participation in additional qualifying operations is denoted by wearing a bronze star device on the NEM ribbon, with a silver star substituting for five bronze stars. However, the NEM is restricted to personnel attached solely to Navy units. If Marine Corps units are involved, Marines wear the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal (MCEM) instead【4:1†source】【4:4†source】. A full-sized medal and a ribbon constitute the NEM award elements, but there are no citations or certificates issued accompanying it. The NEM represents an acknowledgment of significant contributions during expeditions against armed opposition while enhancing the legacy of valor and service within naval operations.