Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal

It was instituted in January 1944, being retroactive to 7 December 1941, and is given to recognise heroic or meritorious achievement or service. It was originally a ribbon-only award and was, at the time, called the Navy Commendation Ribbon. This was changed to the Navy Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant in 1950. In 1960, it was renamed the Navy Commendation Medal and acquired its present designation in 1994.

To be awarded for heroism, the act must be worthy of special recognition but not the degree required for the Bronze Star Medal when combat is involved or the Navy and Marine Corps Medal when combat is not involved.

To be awarded for meritorious achievement, the act or acts must be outstanding and worthy of special recognition, but not to the degree required for the Bronze Star Medal or Air Medal when combat is involved or the Meritorious Service Medal or Air Medal when combat is not involved. The achievement should be such as to constitute a definite contribution to the naval service, such as an invention or improvement in design, procedure or organization.