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What is the Navy Cross?

The Navy Cross is the second highest military medal for bravery in the United States. It is given to sailors and Marines who show extreme heroism while fighting an armed enemy. Because it ranks right below the Medal of Honor, it is one of the most respected honors a service member can earn for their courage in battle. The medal represents actions that go well beyond what is expected of a service member during dangerous missions.

The United States government officially created the Navy Cross in 1919. This happened shortly after the end of World War I to honor the heroes who fought in that great war. Since that time, thousands of brave sailors and Marines have received this award for their service in later conflicts like World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. It remains a historic symbol of how the nation honors those who risked their lives in service.

Only members of the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps are allowed to receive this award. This group includes sailors on ships, pilots in the sky, and Marines fighting on the ground. It is meant to honor the men and women who show great courage while performing their duties in military operations against an enemy. Because it is branch-specific, it is a special mark of pride for those who serve in these maritime forces.

How is it different from the Medal of Honor?

The Medal of Honor is the highest military award in the country and is given for the most incredible acts of bravery. The Navy Cross is the second highest award and is also given for amazing heroism in combat. While both recognize intense bravery, the Medal of Honor is saved for actions that go far beyond the normal call of duty in the face of death. Many brave people earn the Navy Cross for their performance in the heat of a major battle.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is shaped like a cross with a round design in the center. Inside that circle, there are pictures of anchors and ocean waves that stand for the sea. These symbols show the deep connection between the brave sailors and Marines who earn the medal and their important work at sea. The design helps everyone recognize the medal's unique history and its link to the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

What is the Navy Cross?

The Navy Cross is the second highest military medal for bravery in the United States. It is given to sailors and Marines who show extreme heroism while fighting an armed enemy. Because it ranks right below the Medal of Honor, it is one of the most respected honors a service member can earn for their courage in battle. The medal represents actions that go well beyond what is expected of a service member during dangerous missions.

The United States government officially created the Navy Cross in 1919. This happened shortly after the end of World War I to honor the heroes who fought in that great war. Since that time, thousands of brave sailors and Marines have received this award for their service in later conflicts like World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. It remains a historic symbol of how the nation honors those who risked their lives in service.

Only members of the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps are allowed to receive this award. This group includes sailors on ships, pilots in the sky, and Marines fighting on the ground. It is meant to honor the men and women who show great courage while performing their duties in military operations against an enemy. Because it is branch-specific, it is a special mark of pride for those who serve in these maritime forces.

How is it different from the Medal of Honor?

The Medal of Honor is the highest military award in the country and is given for the most incredible acts of bravery. The Navy Cross is the second highest award and is also given for amazing heroism in combat. While both recognize intense bravery, the Medal of Honor is saved for actions that go far beyond the normal call of duty in the face of death. Many brave people earn the Navy Cross for their performance in the heat of a major battle.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is shaped like a cross with a round design in the center. Inside that circle, there are pictures of anchors and ocean waves that stand for the sea. These symbols show the deep connection between the brave sailors and Marines who earn the medal and their important work at sea. The design helps everyone recognize the medal's unique history and its link to the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

Home Library United StatesNavy Cross

Valor decoration

Navy Cross

The second highest military decoration for valor awarded to members of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

United States Established 1919 Navy and Marine CorpsPrecedence: 2nd, after the Medal of Honor

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.

Eligibility

Members of the United States Navy and Marine Corps

Branch

Navy and Marine Corps

Precedence

2nd, after the Medal of Honor

Navy Cross, Valor decoration, United States medal

History

The Navy Cross was created in 1919, shortly after the Distinguished Service Cross. It was made to honor sailors and Marines who showed great bravery in combat. The medal is a cross with anchors and waves, showing its connection to the sea.

The Navy Cross is awarded for heroism that is extraordinary but not enough for the Medal of Honor. During World War II, the Navy and Marines fought many battles at sea, on islands, and in the air, and hundreds of Navy Crosses were awarded. It remains one of the most respected medals in the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War I World War II Korean War Vietnam War Gulf War War in Afghanistan Falklands War

Veterans Who Received This Award

No veterans in our archive have this award listed yet.

Sources

Back to United States

Navy Cross

Medals & Awards

History

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Navy Cross?

When was it created?

Who can receive it?

How is it different from the Medal of Honor?

What does the medal look like?

Used In

Veterans Who Received This Award

Sources