Navy and Marine Corps Medal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Navy and Marine Corps Medal | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Awarded by United States Navy and United States Marine Corps | |
| Type | Medal |
| Awarded for | "Distinguishing oneself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. For acts of lifesaving, or attempted lifesaving, it is required that the action be performed at the risk of one's own life" |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Statistics | |
| Established | 7 August 1942 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Distinguished Flying Cross |
| Same | Army - Soldier's Medal Air Force - Airman's Medal |
| Next (lower) | Bronze Star |
The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the second highest non-combatant medal awarded by the United States Department of the Navy to members of the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. The decoration was established by an act of Congress on August 7, 1942.
The Navy and Marine Corps Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. Typically, it is awarded for actions involving the risk of one's own life.
The Navy and Marine Corps Medal was first bestowed during the Second World War, although the first recipient is unknown. A famous recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Medal was President John F. Kennedy who was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for service as Commanding Officer of a World War II Motor Torpedo Boat PT-109.
The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is generally considered the equivalent of the U.S. Army Soldier's Medal, the U.S. Air Force Airman's Medal, and the Coast Guard Medal.
See Also: Awards and decorations of the United States military
