History
The Navy created its Commendation Ribbon in 1943, in the middle of the Pacific war, and gave it a metal pendant in 1950; the award carried the name Navy Commendation Medal until 1994, when it became the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. It is awarded for heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service to members of the Navy and Marine Corps, and to those of other forces serving with them, and it has historically been granted more sparingly than its Army counterpart.
Acts of combat heroism are marked by the Combat V, and further awards by gold stars on the ribbon in the sea services' fashion. Australians have earned it in exchange postings aboard American ships and squadrons and in the embedded billets of the coalition era. For an Australian its wear follows the foreign awards rules, after all Australian honours in order of the date of award.
Design & ribbon
The medal
Like its Army counterpart the medal is a bronze hexagon bearing the American bald eagle with wings spread, and the reverse carries the recipient's name with the words FOR MILITARY MERIT.
The ribbon
Myrtle green between white edges, the sea services' commendation.
The ribbon is myrtle green with a white stripe at each edge, the sea services' plainer arrangement of the commendation colours.
Clasps
Further awards and combat heroism are marked on the ribbon in the American fashion rather than by additional medals.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded under United States Navy authority for heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service.
- Members of the Navy and Marine Corps are eligible, together with members of other forces serving with them in any capacity;
- Additional awards are denoted by gold five sixteenths inch stars, with a silver star for the fifth, and awards for combat heroism carry the Combat V device;
- For Australians, acceptance and wear require approval through the foreign awards process, with the medal worn after all Australian honours in order of the date of award. There is no post-nominal in Australian usage.
Order of wear
Foreign and international awards approved for acceptance and wearing are worn after all Australian honours and awards, in order of the date of award. The precise arrangement should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal awarded for?
Heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service with the United States Navy and Marine Corps. It began as the Navy Commendation Ribbon in 1943 and took its current name in 1994.
Who is eligible?
Members of the Navy and Marine Corps, and members of other forces serving with them in any capacity, which is how Australian exchange and embedded personnel have earned it.
How does it differ from the Army Commendation Medal?
The standard is the same on paper, but the sea services have historically awarded theirs more sparingly. The designs are near twins; the ribbons differ, the Navy's green carrying white only at the edges.
How are multiple awards shown?
By gold five sixteenths inch stars on the ribbon, with a silver star for the fifth additional award, rather than the oak leaf clusters of the land and air services.
What does the Combat V mean?
That the award was made for acts of heroism in combat.
Can an Australian wear it on a rack?
With government approval through the foreign awards process: after all Australian honours and awards, in order of the date of award.