a. Authorization. 10 U.S.C. S6246.
b. Navy and Marine Corps Medal Eligibility Requirements
(1) Awarded to individuals who, while serving in
any capacity with the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps,
distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict
with the enemy. For acts of lifesaving, or attempted
lifesaving, it is required that the action be performed at the
risk of one's own life.
(2) Navy Reserve or Marine Corps Reserve personnel
involved in lifesaving or attempted lifesaving incidents may be
considered for recognition of any heroic act(s) performed
regardless of whether or not the Reservist was in a duty status
at the time of the act.
c. Although the Navy and Marine Corps Medal is often
awarded for heroism involving lifesaving, it is not a lifesaving
medal. As the senior peacetime award for heroism, this award
hinges on the actual level of personal "life threatening" risk
experienced by the awardee. For heroic performance to rise to
this level, it must be clearly established that the act involved
very specific life-threatening risk to the awardee. When there
is none, or at best very limited life-threatening risk, the
award of the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be
more appropriate.
Authorized Devices: Gold Star |