Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
DESCRIPTION
The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (NCMCM) is awarded for heroic achievement, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service in a combat or non-combat capacity. This is the unit's primary junior-level award, used frequently to recognize sustained performance by junior officers (O-1 to O-3) and senior enlisted members (E-5 to E-7). The NCMCM is versatile, covering everything from a specific act of courage in combat (with a "V" device) to a highly successful six-month tour as a Training or Logistics NCO. It signifies noteworthy and commendable performance of duty.
HISTORY
The Navy Commendation Medal was established by the Secretary of the Navy in January 1950 to recognize service that did not quite meet the standard required for the Bronze Star or the Meritorious Service Medal. It was renamed the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal in 1960. It ranks immediately below the Air Medal in the order of precedence. The NCMCM is widely used across both the Navy and Marine Corps for recognizing significant, yet lower-tier, achievement and heroism.
PREREQUISITES
Outstanding Achievement
A specific, noteworthy, and commendable achievement or sustained superior performance that is clearly above the normal expected level of duty.
Combat or Service Role
The achievement can be based on either a specific heroic act in combat or sustained meritorious administrative/support service in a non-combat environment.
Performance Impact
The action or service must have directly contributed to the success of a major operation or resulted in a significant improvement to a unit function.
Recommendation & CO Review
Requires recommendation from the direct supervisor (E-6+) and final approval from the Commanding Officer (O-6).