What is the Navy Cross, and what level of heroism does it recognize?

The Navy Cross is the United States Naval Service's second-highest military decoration. It is awarded to sailors and marines who distinguish themselves through extraordinary heroism in combat against an armed enemy force, signifying a profound act of bravery and self-sacrifice.

Who is eligible to receive the Navy Cross?

The Navy Cross is primarily eligible for Marines and naval sailors of the United States. However, it can also be awarded to members of other U.S. armed services and foreign military personnel who are serving with the U.S. Naval Service at the time of their heroic actions.

Which U.S. government entity is responsible for presenting the Navy Cross?

The Navy Cross is bestowed by the United States Department of the Navy, specifically through the Secretary of the Navy.

When was the Navy Cross officially established, and what was the legislative basis for its creation?

The Navy Cross was officially established by an Act of Congress, known as Public Law 65-253, which was approved on February 4, 1919.

What was the initial year the Navy Cross was first awarded?

The first Navy Cross awards were presented in 1919.

What was the approximate total number of Navy Cross awards as of December 2017?

As of December 2017, approximately 5,400 Navy Crosses had been awarded. Overall, the medal has been awarded more than 6,300 times since its establishment.

What is the precedence of the Navy Cross relative to other U.S. military decorations?

The Navy Cross ranks immediately below the Medal of Honor, making it the second-highest military decoration for valor. It is worn before all other awards.

What was the historical context that led to the institution of the Navy Cross?

The Navy Cross was instituted partly due to the United States' entry into World War I. At that time, while many European nations had a custom of decorating heroes from other countries, the U.S. only had the Medal of Honor as its sole award for valor, prompting the need for additional decorations.

What was the original order of precedence for the Navy Cross when it was first created?

Originally, the Navy Cross was the Navy's third-highest decoration, ranking below both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.

How did the criteria for awarding the Navy Cross change in 1942?

Initially, the Navy Cross could be awarded for both combat heroism and 'other distinguished service.' However, on August 7, 1942, Congress revised this, making the Navy Cross a combat-only decoration and elevating its precedence to directly follow the Medal of Honor.

Who was the designer of the Navy Cross medal?

The Navy Cross medal was designed by James Earle Fraser, a renowned sculptor known for his work on various coins and medals, including the Buffalo nickel.

How many Navy Crosses have been awarded since the 11 September 2001 attacks, and what is notable about some of these awards?

Since the 11 September 2001 attacks, 47 Navy Crosses have been awarded, with the names of two recipients being kept secret.

Which specific Marine Gunnery Sergeant received a secret Navy Cross for his actions during the 2012 Benghazi attack?

Marine Gunnery Sergeant Tate Jolly received one of the secret Navy Cross awards for his actions during the 2012 Benghazi attack.

What are the three specific circumstances under which an act of heroism must occur to qualify for the Navy Cross?

An act of heroism must occur under one of three circumstances: in combat action against an enemy of the United States; in combat action during military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or in combat action while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

What level of danger and conspicuousness is required for an individual's actions to be considered for the Navy Cross?

The act(s) must be performed in the presence of great danger or at great personal risk. Additionally, the individual's actions must be performed in such a manner as to render them highly conspicuous among others of equal grade, rate, experience, or position of responsibility, meaning they must stand out significantly.

Does a series of minor heroic acts qualify for the Navy Cross?

No, an accumulation of minor acts of heroism does not justify an award of the Navy Cross; the award is reserved for extraordinary, singular acts of valor.

Were any non-combat Navy Cross awards, like the one to Fleet Admiral Ernest King, retroactively affected by the 1942 legislation limiting the award to combat heroism?

No, past Navy Cross awards for merit, such as the one given to 9th Chief of Naval Operations Fleet Admiral Ernest King, were unaffected by the legislation of August 7, 1942, which limited the award to acts of combat heroism.

How are additional awards of the Navy Cross indicated on the medal and ribbon?

Additional awards of the Navy Cross are denoted by gold or silver 5/16 inch stars affixed to the suspension and service ribbon of the medal.

Explain the system of gold and silver stars for multiple Navy Cross awards.

A gold star is issued for each of the second through fifth awards. If an individual were to receive a sixth award, a silver star would replace the gold stars, as a silver star represents five additional awards.

Has any individual received more than five Navy Cross awards to date?

No, according to the source material, no one has received more than five awards of the Navy Cross to date.

Describe the physical appearance of the obverse (front) side of the Navy Cross medal.

The obverse of the Navy Cross medal is a modified cross pattée, one and a half inches wide, with arms that have rounded ends. Within the re-entrant angles of the cross, there are four laurel leaves adorned with berries. In the center, a symbolic caravel, a type of sailing vessel from the late 15th century, is depicted sailing on waves towards the viewer's left.

What do the design elements on the obverse of the Navy Cross symbolize?

The caravel on the obverse symbolizes naval service and the tradition of the sea, a choice made by designer James Earle Fraser because it was also a symbol frequently used by the Naval Academy. The laurel leaves with berries represent achievement.

Describe the physical appearance of the reverse (back) side of the Navy Cross medal.

The reverse of the Navy Cross medal features a bronze cross pattée, also one and a half inches wide. In its center, crossed anchors from the pre-1850 period are depicted with their cables attached, and the letters 'USN' are clearly visible amid the anchors.

What distinguished the earliest versions of the Navy Cross medal and the 'Black Widow' medals?

The earliest version of the Navy Cross, issued from 1919 to 1928, featured a more narrow strip of white. The 'Black Widow' medals, awarded between 1941 and 1942, were notable for their dark color, which resulted from an over-anodized finish.

Which British military decoration shares a similar appearance with the Navy Cross?

The Navy Cross is similar in appearance to the British Distinguished Service Cross.

Describe the design and symbolism of the Navy Cross service ribbon.

The Navy Cross service ribbon is navy blue with a white center stripe, matching the suspension ribbon of the medal. The navy blue color represents naval service, while the white stripe symbolizes the purity of selflessness.

Who was the first female recipient of the Navy Cross?

The first female recipient of the Navy Cross was Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee, who served as a Chief Nurse in the U.S. Navy.

Who was the first African American recipient of the Navy Cross, and what ships were named in his honor?

The first African American recipient of the Navy Cross was Doris 'Dorie' Miller. Two ships, USS Miller (FF-1091) and USS Doris Miller (CVN-81), were named in his honor.

Name a U.S. Navy recipient who received five awards of the Navy Cross.

Roy M. Davenport is a notable U.S. Navy recipient who received five awards of the Navy Cross.

Name a U.S. Marine Corps recipient who received five awards of the Navy Cross.

Lewis 'Chesty' Puller is a notable U.S. Marine Corps recipient who received five awards of the Navy Cross, in addition to an Army Distinguished Service Cross.

Which Navy Cross recipient also received the Medal of Honor and two Army Distinguished Service Crosses?

John D. Bulkeley received the Navy Cross, a Medal of Honor, and two Army Distinguished Service Crosses for his distinguished service.

Which Navy Cross recipient was one of four WWII Fleet Admirals and had two U.S. Navy ships named after him?

William Halsey Jr., a Navy Cross recipient, was one of four WWII Fleet Admirals and had USS Halsey (DLG-23) and USS Halsey (DDG-97) named in his honor.

Which Navy Cross recipient served as the 9th Chief of Naval Operations and was also a WWII Fleet Admiral?

Ernest J. King, a Navy Cross recipient, served as the 9th Chief of Naval Operations and was one of four WWII Fleet Admirals, with USS King (DDG-41) named after him.

Can members of the U.S. Army receive the Navy Cross, and if so, name one example from the text?

Yes, members of the U.S. Army can receive the Navy Cross if they are serving with the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard (when part of the Department of the Navy) and demonstrate extraordinary heroism. Stephen J. Chamberlin is listed as a U.S. Army recipient of the Navy Cross.

Are foreign military personnel eligible for the Navy Cross, and can you provide an example?

Yes, foreign military personnel are eligible for the Navy Cross while serving with the U.S. Naval Service. Nikolai Basistiy from the Soviet Union is listed as a non-U.S. recipient.

Name a Navy Cross recipient who also served as a U.S. Representative.

George William Grider, a Navy Cross recipient, also served as a U.S. Representative to the 89th Congress.

Which Navy Cross recipient also received two Medals of Honor?

John McCloy received the Navy Cross in addition to two Medals of Honor.

Name a Navy Cross recipient who was also a U.S. Navy fighter ace.

Stanley W. Vejtasa, a recipient of three Navy Cross awards, was also a distinguished USN fighter ace.

Which Royal Navy officer was uniquely honored with both the American Navy Cross and the British Victoria Cross?

Ronald Niel Stuart was the first Royal Navy officer to receive both the American Navy Cross and the British Victoria Cross, two of the highest military decorations for valor.

What is the significance of the letters 'USN' on the reverse of the Navy Cross medal?

The letters 'USN' on the reverse of the Navy Cross medal serve to clearly identify it as an award specific to the United States Navy.

What does the term 'caravel' refer to in the description of the Navy Cross medal?

A caravel is a small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century by the Portuguese, known for its speed and ability to sail against the wind, and its depiction on the medal symbolizes naval service and tradition.

To what date was the establishment of the Navy Cross made retroactive?

The establishment of the Navy Cross was made retroactive to April 6, 1917, which marks the date of the United States' entry into World War I.

What is the primary function of a service ribbon for military decorations like the Navy Cross?

A service ribbon is a small, rectangular piece of fabric that represents a military decoration. It is worn on uniforms for daily wear or in situations where the full-sized medal is not appropriate, allowing for continuous display of earned honors.

Name a Navy Cross recipient who also held the position of Naval Governor of Guam.

James Thomas Alexander, the 35th Naval Governor of Guam, is listed as a recipient of the Navy Cross.

Name a Navy Cross recipient who also served as Governor of American Samoa.

William Michael Crose, the 7th Governor of American Samoa, is listed as a recipient of the Navy Cross.

Which Navy Cross recipient was the namesake of USS Charles P. Cecil (DD-835)?

Charles P. Cecil, a two-time Navy Cross recipient, was the namesake of USS Charles P. Cecil (DD-835).

Which Navy Cross recipient was the namesake of USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62)?

William Charles Fitzgerald, a Navy Cross recipient, was the namesake of USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62).

Which Navy Cross recipient was the namesake of USS Rentz (FFG-46)?

George S. Rentz, a Navy Cross recipient, was the namesake of USS Rentz (FFG-46).

Can the Navy Cross be awarded posthumously?

Yes, the Navy Cross can be awarded posthumously, as evidenced by Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. receiving the award after his death.

Navy Cross Wiki: Valor's Emblem: Deciphering the United States Navy Cross

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

What is the Navy Cross?

A Mark of Extraordinary Heroism

The Navy Cross stands as the United States Naval Service's second-highest military decoration, specifically awarded to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary heroism while engaged in combat against an armed enemy force. This prestigious medal is presented by the United States Department of the Navy, recognizing acts of valor that are conspicuous and beyond the call of duty, yet do not meet the criteria for the Medal of Honor.

Broad Eligibility and Equivalency

While primarily intended for Marines and naval sailors of the United States, the Navy Cross may also be conferred upon members of other U.S. armed services, as well as foreign military personnel, provided their distinguished service occurs while operating with the U.S. Naval Service. It holds an equivalent standing to the Army's Distinguished Service Cross, the Air and Space Forces' Air Force Cross, and the Coast Guard Cross, signifying a consistent level of valor across different branches.

Establishment and Scope

The Navy Cross was formally established by an Act of Congress (Public Law 65-253), approved on February 4, 1919. Since its inception, approximately 5,400 awards had been bestowed as of December 2017, with the total number exceeding 6,300. Notably, 47 of these awards have been granted since the events of September 11, 2001, underscoring its continued relevance in modern conflicts.

Historical Evolution

World War I Origins

The institution of the Navy Cross was significantly influenced by the United States' entry into World War I. Prior to this, the Medal of Honor was the sole U.S. award for valor, which proved insufficient given the common practice among European nations to decorate heroes from allied countries. To address this, the Army introduced the Distinguished Service Cross and Distinguished Service Medal in 1918, with the Navy following suit in 1919, making the Navy Cross retroactive to April 6, 1917.

Precedence and Purpose Shift

Initially, the Navy Cross was ranked below both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, as it recognized both combat heroism and "other distinguished service." However, a pivotal revision by Congress on August 7, 1942, elevated the Navy Cross to a combat-only decoration, placing it directly after the Medal of Honor in the order of precedence. This change solidified its status as the second-highest award for combat valor.

Design and Notable Variations

The medal itself was designed by the renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser. Early versions of the Navy Cross, specifically from 1919 to 1928, featured a narrower white stripe on the ribbon. A distinctive period between 1941 and 1942 saw the issuance of what became known as "Black Widow" medals, characterized by their dark color resulting from an over-anodized finish. These historical nuances highlight the medal's evolving design and manufacturing over time.

Award Criteria

Conditions for Combat Valor

The Navy Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism that, while exceptional, does not meet the threshold for the Medal of Honor. The heroic action must occur under one of three specific combat scenarios:

During combat operations against an enemy of the United States.
In military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.
While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict, even if the United States is not a belligerent party.

Conspicuous Action and Risk

The act or acts of heroism must be performed in the presence of significant danger or at great personal risk. Furthermore, the individual's actions must be so remarkable as to be highly conspicuous among others of comparable rank, rate, experience, or position of responsibility. It is crucial to note that the Navy Cross is not awarded for an accumulation of minor acts of heroism; rather, it recognizes singular, extraordinary feats.

Evolution of Eligibility

Originally, the Navy Cross could be awarded for distinguished non-combat acts. However, the legislation of August 7, 1942, explicitly restricted the award to acts of combat heroism. This change did not retroactively affect past awards for merit, such as that received by Fleet Admiral Ernest King, the 9th Chief of Naval Operations, who was recognized under the earlier, broader criteria.

Medal Design & Symbolism

Obverse: The Caravel and Laurel

The obverse of the Navy Cross medal features a modified cross pattée, measuring one and a half inches wide. Its arms are distinctively rounded at the ends, differing from a conventional cross pattée. Within each of the re-entrant arms of the cross, four laurel leaves adorned with berries are depicted. At the center, a symbolic caravel, representative of vessels used between 1480 and 1500, sails on waves towards the viewer's left. This caravel, a frequent emblem of the Naval Academy, symbolizes naval service and the enduring traditions of the sea, while the laurel leaves and berries signify achievement.

Reverse: Anchors and Initials

The reverse side of the medal, also a bronze cross pattée one and a half inches wide, showcases crossed anchors from the pre-1850 period, complete with attached cables. Prominently displayed amidst these anchors are the letters "USN," signifying the United States Navy. This design element reinforces the medal's connection to naval heritage and service.

Service Ribbon: Colors of Service

The service ribbon accompanying the Navy Cross is a striking navy blue, bisected by a central stripe of white. This design is identical to the suspension ribbon of the medal itself. The deep blue color is a direct allusion to naval service, while the white stripe symbolizes the purity of selflessness, reflecting the profound dedication and sacrifice of its recipients. It bears a visual resemblance to the British Distinguished Service Cross.

Wearing the Award

Order of Precedence

When initially authorized, the Navy Cross was the Navy's third-highest decoration. However, the congressional revision on August 7, 1942, significantly altered its standing. Since that date, the Navy Cross is worn immediately after the Medal of Honor and precedes all other awards, firmly establishing its position as the second-highest award for valor within the U.S. Naval Service.

Denoting Multiple Awards

For individuals who receive additional awards of the Navy Cross, these subsequent recognitions are indicated by the affixation of gold or silver 5/16 inch stars to the suspension ribbon and the service ribbon of the medal. A gold star is issued for each of the second through fifth awards. Should a recipient earn a sixth award, the gold stars are replaced by a single silver star. To date, no individual has received more than five awards of the Navy Cross, a testament to the extreme rarity and significance of such repeated heroism.

Distinguished Recipients

U.S. Service Members

The Navy Cross has been awarded to thousands of brave individuals across various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Notable recipients include those from the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Coast Guard. Many have received multiple awards, signifying repeated acts of extraordinary heroism. For instance, Roy M. Davenport and Lewis "Chesty" Puller each earned five Navy Crosses, while Slade Cutter and Eugene B. Fluckey were awarded four. The first female recipient was Chief Nurse Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee, and Doris "Dorie" Miller was the first African American recipient. Some individuals, like John D. Bulkeley and Samuel David Dealey, also received the Medal of Honor and/or Army Distinguished Service Crosses, highlighting their exceptional bravery across multiple engagements.

Classified and Posthumous Awards

In certain instances, the names of Navy Cross recipients have been kept confidential due to the sensitive nature of their operations. For example, two of the 47 awards since September 11, 2001, were given with the recipient's name held in secret, including Marine Gunnery Sergeant Tate Jolly for his actions during the 2012 Benghazi attack. The medal has also been awarded posthumously, recognizing the ultimate sacrifice made by heroes such as Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.

International Recognition

The Navy Cross has also been bestowed upon foreign military personnel who served with distinction alongside the U.S. Naval Service. This includes individuals from allied nations such as the Soviet Union (e.g., Nikolai Basistiy, Israel Fisanovich), New Zealand (e.g., Gordon Bridson, Peter Phipps), Australia (Harold Farncomb), Italy (Ernesto Burzagli), Japan (Seizō Kobayashi), France (Émile Henry Muselier), and South Vietnam (Tran Van Bay, Nguyen Van Kiet). These awards underscore the collaborative spirit and shared valor in multinational military operations.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Navy Cross" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about navy_cross while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Navy Cross Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not official military guidance or historical record. The information provided on this website should not be used as a substitute for official military regulations, historical archives, or expert consultation regarding military awards and decorations. Always refer to official government and military sources for definitive information. Never disregard official directives or historical documentation because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Valor's Emblem: Deciphering the United States Navy Cross

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is the Navy Cross? 🎖️

⭐ A Mark of Extraordinary Heroism

🤝 Broad Eligibility and Equivalency

🗓️ Establishment and Scope

Historical Evolution 📜

🌍 World War I Origins

🔄 Precedence and Purpose Shift

🎨 Design and Notable Variations

Award Criteria 📝

⚔️ Conditions for Combat Valor

🌟 Conspicuous Action and Risk

🕰️ Evolution of Eligibility

Medal Design & Symbolism 🏅

🖼️ Obverse: The Caravel and Laurel

⚓ Reverse: Anchors and Initials

🎗️ Service Ribbon: Colors of Service

Wearing the Award 👕

⬆️ Order of Precedence

✨ Denoting Multiple Awards

Distinguished Recipients 🌟

🇺🇸 U.S. Service Members

🕵️ Classified and Posthumous Awards

🌐 International Recognition

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is the Navy Cross?

A Mark of Extraordinary Heroism

Broad Eligibility and Equivalency

Establishment and Scope

Historical Evolution

World War I Origins

Precedence and Purpose Shift

Design and Notable Variations

Award Criteria

Conditions for Combat Valor

Conspicuous Action and Risk

Evolution of Eligibility

Medal Design & Symbolism

Obverse: The Caravel and Laurel

Reverse: Anchors and Initials

Service Ribbon: Colors of Service

Wearing the Award

Order of Precedence

Denoting Multiple Awards

Distinguished Recipients

U.S. Service Members

Classified and Posthumous Awards

International Recognition

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice