History
The Meritorious Unit Commendation was established on July 17, 1967, by Secretary of the Navy John T. McNaughton. The Meritorious Unit Commendation has been in effect since July 17, 1967.
Criteria
The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation.
It may also be awarded to units of the other branches of the Armed Forces of the United States as well as to units of foreign nations serving with U.S. Forces, provided they meet the same standards established for Navy and Marine Corps units.
To justify this award, the unit must perform service of a character comparable to that which would justify the award of the Bronze Star Medal, or achievement of like caliber in a noncombat situation, to an individual.
Wear
The Meritorious Unit Commendation is worn after the Unit Commendation ribbon and before the Navy "E" Ribbon. Additional awards of the Meritorious Unit Commendation are denoted by bronze stars three-sixteenths of an inch in diameter.