Navy Commendation Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)

These devices were added in March 2017

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

These devices are included in DoD Inst 1348.33 series. Check your specific service regulations.

Example of ribbon placement (IF only "R", "C", or "V" is authorized - it is centered)

Description:

1. Authorized by the Secretary of the Navy, January 11, 1944--originally known as the “Navy Commendation Ribbon.” On March 22, 1950, the Secretary of the Navy established the metal pendant for that award. On August 11, 1960, the Secretary of the Navy changed the name of the award to the “Navy Commendation Medal” and on August 19, 1994, he changed the name of the award to the “Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. ”
2. Awarded to persons who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps (including foreign military personnel and members of U.S. Reserve components on active or in inactive duty), distinguish themselves after December 6, 1941, by heroic or meritorious achievement or service.
3. The Navy and the Marine Corps authorize the letter “V” device.As of March 2017
   
4. May be awarded with the “V” device to signify the award was made for combat heroism (valor):
   1. While engaged in military operations against an enemy of the United States;
   2. While engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force; or
   3. While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
   
5. As of March 2017
   May be awarded with the “C” device to recognize exceptionally meritorious service or achievement performed under combat conditions on or after January 7, 2016. The award narrative must clearly show that the nominee was personally exposed to hostile action, or was at significant risk of exposure to hostile action:
   (a) While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
   (b) While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
   (c) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
   
6. As of March 2017
   May be awarded with the “R” device to distinguish that the award was earned for the direct hands-on employment of a weapon system or other warfighting activities that had a direct and immediate impact on a combat operation or other military operation (i.e., outcome of an engagement or specific effects on a target), including Title 10, U.S.C., support of non-Title 10 operations, and operations authorized by an approved execute order. To be designated as such, the action must have been performed through any domain, in circumstances that did not expose the individual to hostile action;, or place him or her at significant risk of exposure to hostile action on or after January 7, 2016, under one of the following conditions:
   (a) While engaged in military operations against an enemy of the United States,
   (b) While engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force; or
   (c) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.