How to Get a Navy Cross: The Highest Honor in the United States Navy
The Navy Cross is the second-highest military honor that can be awarded to a member of the United States Navy, and it is a prestigious recognition of exceptional bravery and heroism. Earning a Navy Cross requires a demonstration of extraordinary valor and selflessness in the face of danger, often at the risk of one’s own life. In this article, we will explore the criteria and process for receiving a Navy Cross, as well as the eligibility requirements and the application process.
What is the Navy Cross?
The Navy Cross is a combat decoration that is awarded to members of the United States Navy and Marine Corps for extraordinary heroism while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States. The medal is equivalent to the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force’s Air Force Cross, and it is awarded for actions that demonstrate "extraordinary heroism, distinguished service, and unparalleled bravery."
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Navy Cross, an individual must be a member of the United States Navy or Marine Corps, and they must have demonstrated extraordinary heroism in combat. The individual must have acted with intrepidity and gallantry in the face of danger, and their actions must have been so conspicuous as to distinguish them from others who were also engaged in the action.
Criteria for Awarding the Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is awarded for actions that meet one of the following criteria:
- Combat actions: The individual must have demonstrated extraordinary heroism in combat against an enemy of the United States.
- Acts of bravery: The individual must have performed an act of bravery that demonstrates exceptional courage and selflessness.
- Distinguished service: The individual must have demonstrated exceptional leadership, skill, or devotion to duty that results in a significant achievement.
Application Process
The application process for the Navy Cross is typically initiated by the individual’s commanding officer or a senior officer who has witnessed the individual’s heroic actions. The process involves the following steps:
- Nomination: The commanding officer or senior officer submits a nomination for the Navy Cross to the Navy’s Awards and Decorations Branch.
- Review: The nomination is reviewed by the Navy’s Awards and Decorations Board to ensure that it meets the eligibility requirements and criteria for the award.
- Recommendation: The board recommends the award to the Secretary of the Navy or the Chief of Naval Operations.
- Approval: The Secretary of the Navy or the Chief of Naval Operations approves the award, and the individual is notified of their selection.
Table: Navy Cross Criteria
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Combat Actions | Demonstrated extraordinary heroism in combat against an enemy of the United States |
| Acts of Bravery | Performed an act of bravery that demonstrates exceptional courage and selflessness |
| Distinguished Service | Demonstrated exceptional leadership, skill, or devotion to duty that results in a significant achievement |
Famous Recipients of the Navy Cross
The Navy Cross has been awarded to many notable individuals throughout history, including:
- John F. Kennedy: The 35th President of the United States was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism during World War II.
- Chuck Yeager: The famous test pilot was awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery during the Korean War.
- Jim Lovell: The astronaut who commanded the Apollo 13 mission was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism during the mission.
Conclusion
The Navy Cross is a prestigious honor that recognizes exceptional bravery and heroism in the face of danger. To be eligible for the award, an individual must demonstrate extraordinary heroism in combat or through acts of bravery and distinguished service. The application process is initiated by the individual’s commanding officer or a senior officer, and it involves a review by the Navy’s Awards and Decorations Branch and a recommendation to the Secretary of the Navy or the Chief of Naval Operations.
