History
The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944.
Criteria
This commendation is awarded by the Navy Secretary to any ship, aircraft, detachment, or other unit of the United States Navy or Marine Corps which has since 6 December 1941 distinguished itself in action against the enemy with outstanding heroism but not sufficient to justify award of the Presidential Unit Citation (United States). To justify this award, the unit must have performed service of a character comparable to that which would merit the award of a Silver Star Medal, or achievement of like caliber in a non-combat situation, to an individual. It is also awarded for non-combat service, in support of military operations, which was outstanding when compared to other units or organizations performing similar service.
The Coast Guard equivalent is the Coast Guard Unit Commendation. U.S. Army units are also eligible so long as they are directly attached or assigned to U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps units during the time period or event for which the award is given. U.S. Army personnel do not wear the Navy Unit Commendation as a part of their personal awards and medals but, rather, above the right breast pocket with other unit awards authorized for wear.
Wear
The Navy Unit Commendation is worn after the Joint Merit-orious Unit Award and before the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. Additional awards of the Navy Unit Commendation are denoted by bronze stars three-sixteenths of an inch in diameter.