Navy Cross

Established in 1919, the Navy Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism in action involving actual combat with an opposing armed force.  Early examples of the Navy Cross had the center medallions soldered to the cross - later pieces were struck as a single piece.  Ribbons on the early issued Navy Crosses were also 1/8" wider than the standard 1 3/8^th inches used on other US ribbons.

a.  Authorization, 10 U.S.C. 6242.
b.  Eligibility Requirement
    1.  Awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or
         Marine Corps, distinguishes himself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the
         award of the Medal of Honor.
            a.  while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
            b.  while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign
                 force; or
            c.  while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against
                 an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
    2.  To warrant this distinctive decoration, the act or the execution of duty must be
         performed in the presence of great danger or at great personal risk and must be
         performed in such a manner as to set the individual apart from his shipmates or
         fellow Marines.  An accumulation of minor acts of heroism does not justify the
         award.  The high standards demanded must be borne in mind when recommending
         the award.

Information and images provided by:
    The Marine Corps Wives Web Site