What is a navy cross?

What is a 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, or Coast Guard for extraordinary heroism while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States. It is awarded for actions that are deemed to be above and beyond the call of duty, and is considered to be the equivalent of the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force’s Air Force Cross.

History of the Navy Cross

The Navy Cross was established on February 4, 1919, by President Woodrow Wilson, and was originally intended to be awarded for extraordinary heroism during World War I. However, the medal was also awarded for actions during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The medal was designed by Adolph A. Weinman, who also designed the World War I Victory Medal and the American Campaign Medal.

Eligibility and Criteria

The Navy Cross is awarded to members of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard who have distinguished themselves by extraordinary heroism in the line of duty. The medal is awarded for actions that are deemed to be above and beyond the call of duty, and are considered to be of great importance to the United States.

Types of Awards

There are two types of Navy Cross awards:

• Combat Valor Awards: These are awarded for actions that take place in combat, and are typically awarded for acts of bravery and heroism during enemy contact.
• Non-Combat Valor Awards: These are awarded for actions that take place outside of combat, and are typically awarded for acts of bravery and heroism during peacetime operations.

Requirements for Award

To be eligible for the Navy Cross, a service member must have demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the line of duty. The following criteria must be met:

• Action: The service member must have performed an act of heroism in the line of duty.
• Risk: The service member must have placed themselves in harm’s way to perform the act of heroism.
• Bravery: The service member must have shown bravery and courage in the face of danger.
• Impact: The service member’s actions must have had a significant impact on the outcome of the situation.

How to Apply

The process for applying for the Navy Cross is as follows:

• Initial Reporting: The commanding officer of the unit where the action took place must submit an initial report to the next higher headquarters.
• Investigation: A investigation will be conducted to gather more information about the action.
• Board Review: A board review will be conducted to determine if the service member is eligible for the award.
• Award Ceremony: If the service member is approved for the award, a ceremony will be held to present the medal.

Famous Recipients

The Navy Cross has been awarded to many notable service members, including:

• Admiral William Halsey: Halsey was a Medal of Honor recipient who was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
• General James Mattis: Mattis was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Ramadi.
• Admiral Charles Larson: Larson was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

Navy Cross vs. Medal of Honor

The Navy Cross is considered to be the second-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces.

Conclusion

The Navy Cross is a prestigious award that is given to members of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard for extraordinary heroism in the line of duty. The medal is considered to be the second-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces, and is awarded for actions that are deemed to be above and beyond the call of duty.

Table: Navy Cross Awards

References

• "Navy Cross" by the United States Navy
• "Navy Cross" by the United States Marine Corps
• "Navy Cross" by the United States Coast Guard
• "The Navy Cross" by the Naval Historical Center
• "A Brief History of the Navy Cross" by the Navy Cross Foundation