What is the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) and what was its original designation?

The Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) is a military award given to units of the uniformed services of the United States and allied countries. It was originally known as the Distinguished Unit Citation. This award recognizes exceptional collective heroism in combat.

When was the Presidential Unit Citation first established and by which U.S. President?

The Presidential Unit Citation was first established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt with the signing of Executive Order 9075 on February 26, 1942. The award was made retroactive to December 7, 1941, which marks the date of the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the beginning of American involvement in World War II.

In what major conflicts has the Presidential Unit Citation been awarded, according to the source material?

From its inception in 1941 up to 2008, the Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded in several significant conflicts. These include World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan.

How does the level of valor required for a unit to receive the PUC compare to individual awards?

The collective degree of valor, or combat heroism, required for a unit to be nominated for the Presidential Unit Citation is equivalent to the valor that would warrant an individual award of the Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross, or Navy Cross. This means the unit's actions are considered to be of the highest order of bravery.

Which specific military units are noted for having received the most Presidential Unit Citations?

The submarine USS Parche (SSN-683) and the 1st Marine Division are highlighted as the units with the most Presidential Unit Citations, both having received nine citations each. These units have a distinguished record of exceptional performance in combat.

How was the Army's Presidential Unit Citation established, and what is its visual appearance?

The Army citation was established by Executive Order 9075 on February 26, 1942, and later superseded by Executive Order 9396 on December 2, 1943, which authorized the Distinguished Unit Citation. For the Army, Air Force, and Space Force, the emblem is a solid blue ribbon encased in a gold frame.

What are the regulations for wearing the Army, Air Force, and Space Force Presidential Unit Citation?

For the Army, the PUC is worn above the right pocket in a larger frame than other ribbons. For the Air and Space Forces, it is slightly smaller and worn on the left pocket following personal awards. In both cases, all members currently assigned to a receiving unit may wear the decoration, but only those assigned to the unit at the time of the cited action may wear it as a permanent award. Additionally, Air and Space Force members who had the decoration at their last duty station before discharge or retirement may continue to wear it.

How is the Presidential Unit Citation physically represented on a receiving unit's colors for the Army, Air Force, and Space Force?

The Presidential Unit Citation is represented on the receiving unit's colors in the form of a blue streamer. This streamer is 4 feet (1.2 meters) long and 2.75 inches (7.0 centimeters) wide, serving as a visible symbol of the unit's distinguished service.

What is the typical size of an Army unit that qualifies for the Presidential Unit Citation?

For the Army, it is a rare occurrence for a unit larger than a battalion to qualify for the award of the Presidential Unit Citation. This indicates that the award is typically given to smaller, more cohesive units for their concentrated acts of heroism.

When did the Air Force adopt its version of the Presidential Unit Citation, and how does it relate to the Army's version?

The Air and Space Forces adopted their Presidential Unit Citation from the Army's Distinguished Unit Citation after the Air Force became a separate military branch in 1947. It was officially redesignated as the Presidential Unit Citation by Executive Order 10694 on January 10, 1957. The Air and Space Forces PUC shares the same color and design as the Army PUC but is slightly smaller.

What is the distinctive design of the Navy version of the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon?

The Navy version of the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon features navy blue, yellow, and red horizontal stripes. It is unique among Navy ribbons for having horizontal stripes, making it easily distinguishable.

How are subsequent awards of the Navy and Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation indicated?

Initially, the first award of the Navy and Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation had a blue enameled star on the ribbon, with additional stars for subsequent awards, as stated in ALNan 137–43. However, in 1949, this was changed so that the first award has no star, and bronze stars are used to denote subsequent awards.

What was a notable detail regarding the Iwo Jima Presidential Unit Citation in 1945?

In 1945, the Secretary of the Navy wrote the Iwo Jima Presidential Unit Citation without the phrase 'and all those attached to or serving with.' This omission potentially limited the scope of personnel authorized to wear the award permanently.

What special clasp was authorized for the crew of the USS Nautilus (SSN-571), and what event did it commemorate?

A special clasp in the form of a gold block letter 'N' was authorized for all members of the crew of the nuclear-powered submarine USS Nautilus (SSN-571). This clasp commemorated the submarine's historic first submerged voyage under the North Pole in 1958.

Beyond the original crew, who else is permitted to wear the USS Nautilus special clasp?

In addition to the crew members who made the first submerged voyage under the North Pole, U.S. Navy sailors assigned to the USS Nautilus memorial at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, Connecticut, are also permitted to wear the Navy Presidential Unit Citation with the 'N' device while serving there.

What other medal can utilize the 'N' device, and under what specific conditions?

As of 2014, the same 'N' device may be awarded for the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal. This applies to personnel who work in direct support of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) operations and serve 179 non-consecutive days dispatched to a missile complex.

What special clasp was authorized for the crew of the USS Triton (SSRN-586), and for what achievement?

To commemorate the first submerged circumnavigation of the world by the nuclear-powered submarine USS Triton during its shakedown cruise in 1960, all members of her crew who made that voyage were authorized to wear their Presidential Unit Citation ribbon with a special clasp in the form of a golden replica of the globe.

What is the current official name for the Coast Guard's Presidential Unit Citation?

The current decoration for the Coast Guard is known as the 'Department of Homeland Security Presidential Unit Citation.' This name reflects the Coast Guard's current organizational alignment under the Department of Homeland Security.

Who originally established the Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation, and who now holds the authority to award it?

The original Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation was established under the authority of Executive Order 10694, signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on January 10, 1957. Subsequently, Section 74 of Executive Order 13286, signed by President George W. Bush on February 28, 2003, amended this to transfer the authority for awarding the USCG PUC to the Secretary of Homeland Security.

For what significant event did the Coast Guard receive a special clasp for its Presidential Unit Citation, and what does this clasp depict?

A Coast Guard version of the award was presented to all U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel by President George W. Bush for their rescue and relief operations in response to Hurricane Katrina, which occurred from August 29, 2005, to September 13, 2005. Those who received this award are authorized to wear the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon with a special clasp in the form of the internationally recognized hurricane symbol.

When was the U.S. Public Health Service Presidential Citation officially established?

The United States Public Health Service Presidential Citation was established in 2015. This marked a formal recognition for the commissioned corps within the Public Health Service.

Who was responsible for finalizing the design of the U.S. Public Health Service Presidential Citation?

The design for the U.S. Public Health Service Presidential Citation was finalized by the Army Institute of Heraldry on August 17, 2015. This institute is responsible for the design and development of insignia and awards for the U.S. military and other federal entities.

For what public health crisis did President Barack Obama first present the Presidential Unit Citation to the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps?

On September 24, 2015, President Barack Obama presented the Presidential Unit Citation to the officers of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps for their efforts during the 2013–2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa and the United States. This recognized their critical role in containing the deadly virus.

For what major event did President Donald Trump present the Presidential Unit Citation to the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps?

On January 19, 2021, President Donald Trump presented the Presidential Unit Citation to all Commissioned Corps officers serving from 2020 to 2021. This award recognized their extraordinary performance of duty during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting their dedication during a global health crisis.

How is a second award of the U.S. Public Health Service Presidential Unit Citation indicated?

A second award of the U.S. Public Health Service Presidential Unit Citation is indicated by placing a gold frame around the ribbon. This visual distinction signifies multiple instances of exceptional service.

What is the general type of award that the Presidential Unit Citation falls under?

The Presidential Unit Citation is categorized as a ribbon decoration, which is a type of military award that is typically worn on a uniform to signify recognition for service or achievement.

What is the earliest date for actions to be eligible for the Presidential Unit Citation?

Actions must have occurred on or after December 7, 1941, to be eligible for the Presidential Unit Citation. This date marks the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the official entry of the United States into World War II.

Which U.S. government departments are listed as responsible for presenting the Presidential Unit Citation?

The Presidential Unit Citation is presented by the United States Department of the Army, the United States Department of the Navy, the United States Department of the Air Force, and the United States Department of Homeland Security. Each department oversees the award for its respective uniformed services.

What is considered the next higher award in precedence for the Army compared to the Presidential Unit Citation?

For the Army, the Army Achievement Medal is listed as the next higher award in precedence compared to the Presidential Unit Citation. Precedence determines the order in which military awards are worn.

What is considered the next lower award in precedence compared to the Presidential Unit Citation?

The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is listed as the next lower award in precedence compared to the Presidential Unit Citation. This indicates its relative standing in the hierarchy of military unit awards.

What is the appearance of the U.S. Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation ribbon as depicted in the source?

The U.S. Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation ribbon is depicted as a ribbon with a specific design, though the detailed description of its colors is not explicitly provided in the prose for the Coast Guard section, only its image is shown. However, the infobox shows a ribbon with a blue center and red and white stripes on the sides.

What was the specific task group that received a Navy Presidential Unit Citation in 1944, and for what action?

Task Group 22.3 received a Navy Presidential Unit Citation in 1944 for its role in the capture of the German submarine U-505. This action was a significant naval achievement during World War II.

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Understanding the Presidential Unit Citation

Defining Extraordinary Valor

The Presidential Unit Citation (PUC), initially known as the Distinguished Unit Citation, represents one of the highest honors bestowed upon military units of the United States and its allied nations. This prestigious award recognizes units for demonstrating "gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions." The collective heroism exhibited must be so profound as to distinguish the unit significantly above others engaged in the same campaign.

Eligibility for the PUC is specifically tied to actions against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941, marking the United States' entry into World War II. The degree of valor required for a unit to receive the PUC is equivalent to that which would warrant individual members the Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross, or Navy Cross.

Historical Context and Impact

The Presidential Unit Citation was formally established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt through Executive Order 9075 on February 26, 1942, with its provisions made retroactive to December 7, 1941. Since its inception, the PUC has been awarded to units participating in major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan, underscoring its enduring significance in recognizing exceptional military performance.

Notably, some individuals within a cited unit may also receive individual awards for their contributions to the same actions. Among the most distinguished recipients are the submarine USS Parche (SSN-683) and the 1st Marine Division, both of which have earned an impressive nine Presidential Unit Citations, reflecting their sustained record of extraordinary service.

Army, Air Force, and Space Force PUC

Evolution and Establishment

The Army's version of the citation was established by Executive Order 9075 on February 26, 1942. It was later superseded by Executive Order 9396 on December 2, 1943, which authorized it as the Distinguished Unit Citation. Following the Air Force's establishment as a separate branch in 1947, it adopted this citation. The Department of the Air Force officially redesignated it as the Presidential Unit Citation via Executive Order 10694 on January 10, 1957. The Army subsequently renamed its award to the Presidential Unit Citation on November 3, 1966, aligning with the Air Force's nomenclature. The Space Force also utilizes this version of the PUC.

Appearance and Wear Regulations

For the Army, Air Force, and Space Force, the PUC emblem is a solid blue ribbon encased within a gold frame. The Army wears this decoration in a larger frame above the right pocket. In contrast, the Air and Space Forces' PUC is slightly smaller, designed to align with other ribbons on the left pocket, following personal awards. All members currently assigned to a cited unit may wear the decoration. However, only those personnel who were assigned to the unit during the specific action for which the unit was cited are authorized to wear it as a permanent award. The citation is also represented on the receiving unit's colors by a blue streamer, measuring 4 feet long and 2.75 inches wide.

Unit Size and Scope

For the Army, it is a rare occurrence for a unit larger than a battalion to qualify for the Presidential Unit Citation. This criterion emphasizes the exceptional nature of the valor and performance required, typically focusing on smaller, cohesive units that demonstrate extraordinary collective heroism in highly challenging combat scenarios. The specific size and scope considerations ensure that the award maintains its distinction as a recognition of truly outstanding unit achievement.

Navy and Marine Corps PUC

Distinctive Design and Origin

The Presidential Unit Citation for Naval and Marine Corps Units was established by Executive Order 9050 on February 6, 1942, specifically recognizing "Outstanding Performance in Action." This version of the PUC is uniquely identifiable by its horizontal stripes of navy blue, yellow, and red, making it the only Navy ribbon to feature such a design. To differentiate it from other service branches' PUCs, it is frequently referred to as the "Navy Presidential Unit Citation" or the "Navy and Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation."

Wearing Protocols and Evolution

Unlike the Army's broader wear policy, the Navy and Marine Corps version of the PUC is worn exclusively by service members who were assigned to the unit during the specific "award period" of the recognized action. This emphasizes direct participation in the heroic deeds. Initially, the first award was denoted by a blue enameled star on the ribbon, with additional stars for subsequent awards, as outlined in ALNan 137–43. However, in 1949, this regulation was revised: the first award is now worn without a star, and bronze stars are used to signify subsequent awards. A notable historical instance includes the Iwo Jima PUC, where the Secretary of the Navy deliberately omitted the phrase "and all those attached to or serving with" in its 1945 issuance.

Special Commemorative Clasps

Two nuclear-powered submarines have been honored with unique clasps to their Navy Presidential Unit Citations, commemorating extraordinary voyages:

USS Nautilus (SSN-571): For its historic first submerged voyage under the North Pole in 1958, all crew members on that mission were authorized to wear their PUC ribbon with a special gold block letter 'N' clasp. Personnel assigned to the USS Nautilus memorial at the Submarine Force Museum are also permitted to wear this distinctive device.
USS Triton (SSRN-586): To commemorate its first submerged circumnavigation of the world during its 1960 shakedown cruise, all crew members who participated were authorized to wear their PUC ribbon with a special clasp in the form of a golden replica of the globe.

Coast Guard PUC

Dual Eligibility and Authority

Units within the United States Coast Guard possess a unique eligibility, allowing them to be awarded either the Navy or the Coast Guard version of the Presidential Unit Citation. The specific version awarded depends on which service the Coast Guard was supporting during the period when the cited action was performed. The current iteration of this decoration is officially known as the "Department of Homeland Security Presidential Unit Citation." Its original establishment under Executive Order 10694 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on January 10, 1957, was later amended by Section 74 of Executive Order 13286, signed by President George W. Bush on February 28, 2003. This amendment transferred the authority for awarding the USCG PUC to the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Hurricane Katrina Special Clasp

A distinctive Coast Guard version of the award was presented to all U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel by President George W. Bush. This recognition was for their exceptional rescue and relief operations in response to Hurricane Katrina, conducted between August 29, 2005, and September 13, 2005. All individuals who received this award for their service during Hurricane Katrina are authorized to wear the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon adorned with a special clasp in the form of the internationally recognized hurricane symbol. This unique clasp highlights the extraordinary humanitarian and life-saving efforts undertaken during this national crisis.

U.S. Public Health Service PUC

Establishment and Design

The United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Presidential Citation was established in 2015, extending this high honor beyond traditional military branches to recognize exceptional collective service in public health. The design of this specific PUC was meticulously finalized by the Army Institute of Heraldry on August 17, 2015, ensuring its adherence to established heraldic standards while reflecting the unique mission of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

Notable Citations

The USPHS Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded for critical national and international health emergencies:

Ebola Epidemic Response: On September 24, 2015, President Barack Obama presented the Presidential Unit Citation to the officers of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. This award recognized their extraordinary efforts in the 2013–2016 Ebola epidemic, both in West Africa and within the United States, highlighting their crucial role in containing a global health threat.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response: On January 19, 2021, President Donald Trump further honored the Commissioned Corps officers by presenting them with the citation for their outstanding performance of duty during the 2020–2021 COVID-19 pandemic. This acknowledged their tireless work on the front lines of a public health crisis of unprecedented scale.

For the USPHS PUC, a gold frame placed around the ribbon signifies a second award, maintaining a consistent visual language for multiple recognitions across different service branches.

Historical Milestones & Notable Units

Key Dates in PUC History

The Presidential Unit Citation has a rich history marked by significant executive actions and evolving regulations across the uniformed services. Understanding these milestones provides crucial context for its esteemed status.

December 7, 1941: Date of the Attack on Pearl Harbor, marking the retroactive start date for PUC eligibility.
February 6, 1942: Executive Order 9050 establishes the Navy and Marine Corps PUC.
February 26, 1942: Executive Order 9075 establishes the Army's Distinguished Unit Citation (later PUC), retroactive to Dec 7, 1941.
December 2, 1943: Executive Order 9396 supersedes EO 9075, re-authorizing the Distinguished Unit Citation for the Army.
1945: Secretary of the Navy issues the Iwo Jima PUC, notably omitting "and all those attached to or serving with."
1947: Air Force adopts the Army's Distinguished Unit Citation after becoming a separate branch.
1949: Navy PUC award criteria change: no star for first award, bronze stars for subsequent.
January 10, 1957: Executive Order 10694 redesignates the Air Force's Distinguished Unit Citation as the Presidential Unit Citation and establishes the original Coast Guard PUC.
1958: USS Nautilus crew authorized 'N' clasp for North Pole voyage.
1960: USS Triton crew authorized globe clasp for submerged circumnavigation.
November 3, 1966: Army officially renames its award to the Presidential Unit Citation.
February 28, 2003: Executive Order 13286 transfers authority for USCG PUC to the Secretary of Homeland Security.
August 29 - September 13, 2005: Coast Guard and Auxiliary awarded PUC with hurricane clasp for Hurricane Katrina response.
August 17, 2015: Army Institute of Heraldry finalizes design for the U.S. Public Health Service Presidential Citation.
September 24, 2015: President Obama awards USPHS PUC for Ebola epidemic response.
January 19, 2021: President Trump awards USPHS PUC for COVID-19 pandemic response.

Units of Exceptional Distinction

The Presidential Unit Citation is a testament to sustained excellence and unparalleled bravery. While numerous units have earned this honor, some stand out for their repeated recognition. The submarine USS Parche (SSN-683) and the 1st Marine Division hold the distinction of having received the most Presidential Unit Citations, each with nine awards. This remarkable achievement highlights their consistent performance under the most demanding and perilous conditions, embodying the highest ideals of military service and collective determination.

These units, through their extraordinary actions, have not only accomplished critical missions but have also set a benchmark for gallantry and esprit de corps, inspiring future generations of service members across all branches of the uniformed services.

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References

Tinoko, PO2 Maebel (2007-08-29). "USS Parche Dedicates Sail to Puget Sound Navy Museum NNS070828-19". Navy News Service. Retrieved 2014-06-05.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Presidential Unit Citation (United States) Wikipedia page

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This is not official military guidance or legal advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for official military regulations, directives, or consultation with qualified military personnel or legal experts regarding awards, eligibility, or service records. Always refer to the official publications of the respective U.S. uniformed services (Army, Air Force, Space Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Public Health Service) for definitive information. Never disregard official guidance because of something you have read on this website.

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Valor's Mark: Unpacking the Presidential Unit Citation

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Understanding the Presidential Unit Citation 🎖️

🛡️ Defining Extraordinary Valor

📜 Historical Context and Impact

Army, Air Force, and Space Force PUC ✈️

🗓️ Evolution and Establishment

🏅 Appearance and Wear Regulations

📏 Unit Size and Scope

Navy and Marine Corps PUC ⚓

🎨 Distinctive Design and Origin

📝 Wearing Protocols and Evolution

✨ Special Commemorative Clasps

Coast Guard PUC 🚢

🏛️ Dual Eligibility and Authority

🌀 Hurricane Katrina Special Clasp

U.S. Public Health Service PUC ⚕️

🏥 Establishment and Design

🌟 Notable Citations

Historical Milestones & Notable Units 🏆

🕰️ Key Dates in PUC History

🥇 Units of Exceptional Distinction

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📜 Important Notice

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Understanding the Presidential Unit Citation

Defining Extraordinary Valor

Historical Context and Impact

Army, Air Force, and Space Force PUC

Evolution and Establishment

Appearance and Wear Regulations

Unit Size and Scope

Navy and Marine Corps PUC

Distinctive Design and Origin

Wearing Protocols and Evolution

Special Commemorative Clasps

Coast Guard PUC

Dual Eligibility and Authority

Hurricane Katrina Special Clasp

U.S. Public Health Service PUC

Establishment and Design

Notable Citations

Historical Milestones & Notable Units

Key Dates in PUC History

Units of Exceptional Distinction

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice