How to Earn the Navy Cross?
The Navy Cross is the second-highest combat valor award that can be bestowed upon a member of the United States Navy. It is awarded to service members who have demonstrated extraordinary heroism and distinction in combat, often placing the needs of others before their own. In this article, we will delve into the criteria and procedures for earning the Navy Cross.
What is the Navy Cross?
The Navy Cross was established on February 4, 1919, and is presented to members of the United States Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard who have distinguished themselves by extraordinary heroism, conspicuous gallantry, and intrepidity while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps. The award is equal in importance to the Distinguished Service Cross, which is the second-highest military decoration in the United States.
Criteria for the Navy Cross
To earn the Navy Cross, service members must have demonstrated extraordinary heroism in combat, which can be characterized by one or more of the following criteria:
- Distinguishing themselves by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the face of an armed enemy, such as by engaging the enemy with lethal force, providing lifesaving aid to wounded comrades, or displaying exceptional courage and determination in the presence of extreme danger.
- Performing a specific and distinctive act of bravery, courage, or distinction, such as by participating in a daring rescue, disrupting enemy operations, or taking control of a critical objective.
- Daring to risk their life with the utmost disregard for personal safety, such as by deliberately exposing themselves to intense enemy fire, volunteering for a dangerous mission, or engaging in a critical, high-risk operation.
Procedure for Awarding the Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is awarded in a formal ceremony, which is typically conducted by the Naval Service’s highest-ranking officers or the President of the United States. The following are the steps involved in the awarding process:
- Nomination: The award is nominated by the commanding officer or department head of the service member’s unit.
- Review: The nomination is reviewed by a naval officer, who checks to ensure that the nominee’s actions meet the criteria for the award.
- Recommendation: If the nomination is deemed valid, it is recommended for approval by the award authority, which is typically a flag officer or senior Navy officer.
- Approval: The recommendation is then approved by the Chief of Naval Operations, who has the final say on the award.
- Presentation: The award is presented to the recipient in a formal ceremony, which may include family, friends, and dignitaries.
Timeline for Awarding the Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is typically awarded within one to three years of the courageous actions that led to the nomination. However, there are cases where the award is delayed due to factors such as:
- Ongoing investigations: Awards may be delayed if investigations are still ongoing into the events that led to the nomination.
- Medical evaluation: Awards may be delayed if the recipient requires medical evaluation or treatment.
- Security clearances: Awards may be delayed if the recipient’s clearance level is not cleared due to ongoing security concerns.
Table: Navy Cross Statistics
| Year | Total Awards | Number of Navy Recipients | Number of Marine Corps Recipients |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 143 | 84 | 59 |
| 2015 | 152 | 91 | 61 |
| 2020 | 167 | 104 | 63 |
Conclusion
Earning the Navy Cross is a remarkable achievement that requires exceptional courage, bravery, and heroism. Service members who have demonstrated extraordinary valor and distinction in combat have contributed significantly to the nation’s defense and have inspired their fellow service members with their selfless actions. To earn the Navy Cross, service members must consistently exhibit the highest standards of professional conduct, courage, and sacrifice.
