More of this Feature • Main Menu

Join the Discussion Visit Our Message Forum

Related Resources • Army Awards & Decorations • Air Force Awards & Decorations • Navy/Marines Awards Regulation

Authorization. ALNAV 224 of 18 December 1944.

Eligibility Requirements. Awarded by SECNAV to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps which has distinguished itself by outstanding heroism in action against the enemy, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation; or to any such unit which has distinguished itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat but in support of military operations, rendering the unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service.

This award may also be conferred upon units of the other branches of the Armed Forces of the United States, and of armed forces of friendly foreign nations serving with the Armed Forces of the United States, provided that such units shall meet the standards established for Navy and Marine Corps units. To justify this award, the unit must have performed service of a character comparable to that which would merit the award of a Silver Star Medal for heroism or a Legion of Merit for meritorious service to an individual.

Normal performance of duty or participation in a large number of combat missions does not in itself justify the award. An award will not be made to a unit for actions of one or more of its component parts, unless the unit performed uniformly as a team in a manner justifying collective recognition.

See additional information about unit awards.