How do You get the navy cross?

How Do You Get the Navy Cross?

The Navy Cross is the second-highest military honor that can be awarded to a member of the United States Navy, and it is awarded for extraordinary heroism while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States. The Navy Cross is equivalent to the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force’s Air Force Cross.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Navy Cross, an individual must be a member of the United States Navy, Navy Reserve, or Marine Corps. The individual must have demonstrated extraordinary heroism while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States, and their actions must have been above and beyond the call of duty.

Types of Actions

The Navy Cross can be awarded for a variety of actions, including:

• Combat Actions: Actions taken during combat operations, such as battles, patrols, or ambushes.
• Rescue Operations: Actions taken to rescue personnel or civilians from enemy captivity or danger.
• Daring and Distinguished Service: Actions taken that demonstrate exceptional bravery, skill, and dedication to duty.

Requirements

To be considered for the Navy Cross, an individual’s actions must meet the following requirements:

• Heroism: The individual’s actions must have been performed with heroic intent, and they must have demonstrated extraordinary courage and bravery.
• Risk: The individual’s actions must have put them at significant risk of harm or death.
• Results: The individual’s actions must have resulted in significant benefits to the United States, such as the saving of lives, the destruction of enemy forces, or the achievement of a critical military objective.

Nomination Process

The nomination process for the Navy Cross is as follows:

• Initial Review: The commanding officer of the individual’s unit or ship conducts an initial review of the individual’s actions and determines whether they meet the eligibility requirements.
• Screening: The nomination is then screened by a higher headquarters or a board of review to ensure that the individual’s actions meet the requirements for the award.
• Final Review: The nomination is then reviewed by the Secretary of the Navy or their designated representative to determine whether the individual’s actions are worthy of the Navy Cross.

Award Process

Once an individual has been selected to receive the Navy Cross, the award process is as follows:

• Presentation: The Navy Cross is typically presented to the individual in a formal ceremony, often at their home base or at a ceremony held by their commanding officer.
• Medal: The Navy Cross is a bronze medal that features an eagle, shield, and anchor, and it is suspended from a ribbon with a gold star in the center.
• Certificate: A certificate is also presented to the individual, which describes their heroic actions and the circumstances surrounding the award.

Notable Recipients

Some notable recipients of the Navy Cross include:

• Admiral Chester Nimitz: Awarded the Navy Cross for his leadership during the Battle of Midway.
• Lieutenant Commander Richard O’Kane: Awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during the Battle of the Denmark Strait.
• Captain Richard McCool: Awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Conclusion

The Navy Cross is a prestigious award that recognizes extraordinary heroism and bravery in the face of danger. To be eligible for the award, an individual must demonstrate exceptional courage and skill, and their actions must have significant benefits to the United States. The nomination and award process is rigorous and thorough, and the award is presented to individuals who have truly distinguished themselves in the service of their country.

Table: Navy Cross Requirements

Table: Notable Recipients of the Navy Cross

Bullets List: Eligibility Criteria

• Member of the United States Navy, Navy Reserve, or Marine Corps
• Demonstrated extraordinary heroism while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States
• Actions were above and beyond the call of duty