What is the navy cross?

What is 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, or Coast Guard for extraordinary heroism while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States. In this article, we will delve into the history, criteria, and significance of the Navy Cross, as well as its differences from other prestigious military awards.

History of the Navy Cross

The Navy Cross was established on February 4, 1919, by President Woodrow Wilson, in accordance with the Naval Act of 1918. The medal was created to recognize heroism and bravery in action against the enemy, similar to the Medal of Honor, which is the highest military decoration in the United States. The Navy Cross is often referred to as the "Navy’s Medal of Honor" due to its prestige and the high standards required to receive it.

Criteria for the Navy Cross

To be eligible for the Navy Cross, a service member must have distinguished themselves by extraordinary heroism while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States. The criteria for the award are as follows:

• Engagement with the enemy: The service member must have been engaged in action against an enemy of the United States, either in combat or in a situation where they were exposed to enemy fire.
• Extraordinary heroism: The service member must have demonstrated extraordinary heroism, which is defined as actions that are "above and beyond the call of duty" and involve "distinguished service".
• Risk of life: The service member must have been in a situation where they were at risk of losing their life or suffering serious injury.

Types of Actions that Can Result in the Navy Cross

The Navy Cross can be awarded for a wide range of actions, including:

• Combat heroism: Actions taken in combat, such as leading a charge against the enemy, rescuing comrades, or destroying enemy positions.
• Non-combat heroism: Actions taken outside of combat, such as saving lives, performing a heroic act in a non-combat situation, or demonstrating extraordinary courage and bravery.
• Special operations: Actions taken during special operations, such as covert missions, hostage rescues, or other clandestine operations.

Navy Cross vs. Medal of Honor

The Navy Cross is often compared to the Medal of Honor, which is the highest military decoration in the United States. While both medals recognize extraordinary heroism, there are some key differences:

• Criteria: The Medal of Honor requires that the service member have "distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty", while the Navy Cross requires "extraordinary heroism" in action against an enemy of the United States.
• Rank requirement: The Medal of Honor is limited to commissioned officers, while the Navy Cross can be awarded to service members of all ranks, including enlisted personnel and junior officers.
• Award frequency: The Medal of Honor is awarded relatively infrequently, with only 3,525 medals awarded since its establishment in 1861. The Navy Cross, on the other hand, is awarded more frequently, with over 7,000 medals awarded since its establishment in 1919.

Navy Cross Recipients

Some notable recipients of the Navy Cross include:

• Admiral William Halsey Jr.: A World War II naval aviator who received the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Midway.
• Captain Charles Lindbergh: A World War II pilot who received the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of the Philippines.
• Sergeant Dakota Meyer: A Marine Corps veteran who received the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Ganjgal in Afghanistan.

Conclusion

The Navy Cross is a prestigious military decoration that recognizes extraordinary heroism and bravery in action against an enemy of the United States. While it is often referred to as the "Navy’s Medal of Honor", it has its own unique criteria and requirements. By understanding the history, criteria, and significance of the Navy Cross, we can appreciate the sacrifices and heroism of those who have received this esteemed award.

Table: Navy Cross vs. Medal of Honor

Bullets: Types of Actions that Can Result in the Navy Cross

• Combat heroism
• Non-combat heroism
• Special operations
• Saving lives
• Performing a heroic act in a non-combat situation
• Demonstrating extraordinary courage and bravery