Whatʼs the navy cross?

What’s the Navy Cross?

The Navy Cross is the second-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard for valorous achievement, and is equivalent to the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force’s Air Force Cross.

History of the Navy Cross

The Navy Cross was established by President Woodrow Wilson on February 4, 1919, and was first awarded on June 1, 1919. It was created to recognize and honor the extraordinary heroism and bravery of sailors, marines, and coast guardsmen who have distinguished themselves in combat, during times of war or peacetime operations.

Eligibility and Criteria

The Navy Cross is awarded to any member of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard who distinguishes themselves by extraordinary heroism while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States. The award is made in recognition of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

Types of Awards

There are several types of Navy Cross awards, including:

• Individual Award: Awarded to an individual for heroic actions.
• Unit Award: Awarded to a unit for heroic actions.
• Posthumous Award: Awarded to a deceased individual for heroic actions.

Navy Cross Criteria

To be eligible for the Navy Cross, the individual’s actions must meet the following criteria:

• Combat Action: The individual must have engaged in combat against an enemy of the United States.
• Heroism: The individual must have demonstrated extraordinary heroism and bravery in the face of danger.
• Risk of Life: The individual must have risked their life in order to accomplish their mission.
• Above and Beyond the Call of Duty: The individual’s actions must have been above and beyond what is normally expected of them.

Examples of Navy Cross Awards

Here are a few examples of Navy Cross awards:

• Operation Iraqi Freedom: On March 23, 2003, Lieutenant Michael Murphy, a Navy SEAL, was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Murphy led a team of SEALs on a mission to capture a high-ranking Al-Qaeda leader, and when they were ambushed, Murphy risked his life to call in air support and protect his team.
• World War II: On November 26, 1944, Lieutenant Commander Edward O’Hare, a naval aviator, was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during World War II. O’Hare led a group of fighter pilots on a mission to attack Japanese aircraft carriers, and when he was attacked by enemy planes, he risked his life to defend his wingman and down several enemy planes.

Navy Cross Statistics

Here are some statistics on the Navy Cross:

• Number of Awards: Over 10,000 Navy Crosses have been awarded since its establishment in 1919.
• Award Rate: The Navy Cross is awarded at a rate of approximately 1% of the total number of personnel in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
• Top Recipients: The top recipients of the Navy Cross are the Navy SEALs, with over 1,000 awards.

Table: Navy Cross Awards by Conflict

Conclusion

The Navy Cross is a prestigious award that recognizes the extraordinary heroism and bravery of sailors, marines, and coast guardsmen who have distinguished themselves in combat. The award is a symbol of the highest honor and is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served their country.