Navy - Marine Corps Medal Ribbon

• Official Navy / Marine Corps Medal Ribbon
• Awarded for extraordinary heroism or distinguished service
• Manufactured to U.S. military specifications
• Authorized for wear on Navy and Marine Corps uniforms
• Sold individually

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest non-combat decoration for heroism awarded by the U.S. Department of the Navy. It recognizes acts of extraordinary heroism by Navy and Marine Corps service members, and occasionally Coast Guard personnel serving with them, in situations that do not involve direct conflict with an enemy.

• Purpose: Awarded for acts of heroism outside of combat, such as lifesaving or rescue operations where there is significant risk to life.
• Level: Equivalent to the Army’s Soldier’s Medal and the Air Force’s Airman’s Medal.
• Ribbon Design: Navy blue with a wide orange center stripe, representing both the Navy (blue) and Marine Corps (orange).
• Established: Created by Act of Congress on August 7, 1942, during World War II.

Distinction

This medal is often awarded for selfless acts such as saving shipmates from drowning, rescuing personnel from burning ships, or other acts of courage that involve life-threatening risk without combat engagement.