What is Higher Than the Navy Cross?
The Navy Cross is a prestigious award presented to U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps service members for extraordinary heroism and bravery in combat with an enemy of the United States. It is awarded for actions that demonstrate bravery, leadership, and willingness to risk one’s own life to save others, and is considered the third-highest military honor after the Medal of Honor.
The Navy Cross Rankings
To understand what is higher than the Navy Cross, it’s essential to understand the ranking system for military awards. The chain of command for military decorations is as follows:
- The Medal of Honor (MHO)
- The Navy Cross (NC)
- The Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM)
- The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (AFDSM)
- The Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal (CGDSM)
- The Navy Distinguished Service Medal (NSMM)
- The Army Distinguished Service Medal (ADSM)
- The Marine Corps Distinguished Service Medal (MDCM)
As you can see, the Navy Cross (NC) is ranked just below the Medal of Honor (MHO), and above the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM) and other distinguished service medals.
The Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is a decoration of honor presented for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in action against the enemy. The Medal of Honor is awarded for bravery that demonstrates a willingness to sacrifice one’s own life to save others, often in situations where the outcomes are uncertain.
Honorees of the Navy Cross
The Navy Cross has been awarded to countless service members throughout history. Some notable recipients include:
- Admiral Chester Nimitz, who received the Navy Cross for his exceptional leadership during World War II
- Captain Edward Michelsen, who received the Navy Cross for his courage and bravery during the Attack on Pearl Harbor
- Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who received the Navy Cross for his heroism during a firefight in Afghanistan
Other Awards Higher Than the Navy Cross
While there are no other awards at the same level as the Medal of Honor, there are other awards that surpass the Navy Cross in recognition and prestige. These awards include:
- Navy Distinguished Service Medal (NSMM): Awarded for exceptionally important and meritorious distinguished service, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal is often presented to senior officers, admirals, and top-level executives.
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM): Awarded for exceptionally superior performance of duty, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal is presented to individuals who make significant contributions to the mission of the Department of Defense.
- Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (AFDSM): Awarded for exceptionally excellent performance of duty, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal is presented to airmen who demonstrate bravery, leadership, and sacrifice.
Conclusion
To summarize, the Navy Cross is a prestigious award recognized for extraordinary heroism and bravery in combat. With the Medal of Honor taking the top spot, awards like the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, and Air Force Distinguished Service Medal surpass the Navy Cross in recognition and prestige.
Here is a table for quick reference:
Medal | Rank | Description |
---|---|---|
Medal of Honor (MHO) | Highest | Award for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in action against an enemy force. |
Navy Cross (NC) | Second-highest | Award for extraordinary heroism and bravery in combat while engaged in action against an enemy force. |
Navy Distinguished Service Medal (NSMM) | Higher | Award for exceptionally important and meritorious distinguished service. |
Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM) | Higher | Award for exceptionally superior performance of duty. |
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (AFDSM) | Higher | Award for exceptionally excellent performance of duty. |
This article highlights the significance and prestige of the Navy Cross, as well as what awards surpass it in terms of recognition and prestige.