NOAA Corps Commendation Medal 

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OLD (1985)	NEW (2016)
DEVICE(s)

Description:

1. Authorized by NOAA Corps Regulations NCB 3-93 Section12607 B
2. Eligibility Requirements - Awarded to a member of the NOAA Corps, or a member of another uniformed service detailed, assigned, or attached to NOAA, who distinguishes him/herself by heroic or meritorious acts or service.
   
   To merit this award, service must be accomplished or performed in an exemplary manner above that normally expected and must be sufficient to distinguish the individual from those performing similar services. Acts must reflect the preservation of life or property. Acts or service must be of such merit as to warrant more tangible recognition than is possible by the NOAA Corps Achievement Medal, as follows:
   
   1. Acts of heroism worthy of special recognition, but not to the degree required for the U. S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Gold or Silver Medals.
   2. Outstanding achievement worthy of special recognition, but not to the degree required for the DOC Bronze Medal or the NOAA Corps Meritorious Service Medal. The achievement should constitute a definite contribution to the Government, such as an invention or an improvement in design, procedure, or organization.
   3. Outstanding service worthy of special recognition, but not to the degree required for the DOC Bronze Medal or the NOAA Corps Meritorious Service Medal. The service should be superior to that usually expected of an individual commensurate with his/her grade. The service may cover an extended period of time. Award is based on the circumstances and conditions under which the service was performed.
   4. Leadership that merits special recognition. Leadership must be sustained so as to demonstrate a high state of development; be of such merit as to earn singular recognition; and reflect most creditably on the efforts of the individual toward accomplishment of the unit mission.
3. Issuance and Manner of Wear
   1. Appropriate service record entries will be made at CPC after receipt of proper documentation.
   2. CPC provides a certificate, large medal, miniature medal, and ribbon bars.
   3. Medals are issued for first award only.
   4.  Attachments to Medals and Ribbon Bars
   1. A 5/16-inch gold-colored star worn on the large medal suspension ribbon and ribbon bar denotes each subsequent award.
   2. A 1/8-inch gold-colored star worn on the miniature medal suspension ribbon denotes each subsequent award
4. Medal Description
   
   1. Obverse
      1985 Medal
      On a bronze colored disc, 1 13/32 inches (3.57 cm) in diameter bearing the raised relief symbol of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The medal is suspended from a 1 3/8 in (35 mm) wide myrtle green ribbon with two 5/32 in (4.0 mm) white stripes.
      
      2016 Medal 
      The medal is hexagonal in shape, 1 3/4 in (44 mm) high and 1 3/8 in (35 mm) wide made of nickel or silver plated red brass. The medal is suspended from a 1 3/8 in (35 mm) wide myrtle green ribbon with two 5/32 in (4.0 mm) white stripes.
      
      The center contains a raised relief 5 pointed star above a raised relief eagle overlaying a laurel wreath. Below the eagle is symbol for depicting the ocean, The sun with radiating beams appears at the bottom of the medallion.
      
      The medal is suspended from a 1 3/8 in (35 mm) wide myrtle green ribbon with two 5/32 in (4.0 mm) white stripes.
   2. Reverse
      1985 Medal
      The reverse side is flat and suitable for engraving.
      
      2016 Medal
      The reverse side is flat. Placed slightly above the center on the silver hexagon, are the stacked words "FOR EXEMPLARY" on line 1 and "SERVICE" on line 2.  Below the stacked words is an smooth area suitable for engraving.
   3. Ribbon
      Both the 1985 and the 2016 ribbon are 1 3/8 inch and consists of 5/16" myrtle green, 5/32" white, 3/8" myrtle green, 5/32" white, 5/16" myrtle green,
   4. Information from
      Decoration, Corps Commendation Medal MIL-DTL-3943 156D 21 October 2019 (ORIG)
      Decoration, NOAA Corps Commendation Medal MIL-DTL-3943-322B 31 March 2021 (NEW)
      Ribbon, NOAA Corps Commendation Medal MIL-DTL-11589 310F 24 May 2021