What Is the Navy Achievement Medal?

US Navy personnel with folded flag

The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal is the lowest level of personal military decoration that is awarded to enlisted military personnel in recognition of actions that do not warrant the Navy Commendation Medal.

Appearance

Designed to resemble the flag of the secretary of the navy, this brass medal has four, five-pointed stars in each corner and an anchor, entangled (fouled) with rope. The ribbon is green with a vertical orange stripe near each end.

History

The Navy Achievement Medal was established by Secretary of the Navy John B. Connally on May 1, 1961. This award underwent several name changes before 1994, when it was renamed the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Order of Precedence

The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal is meant to be worn after the Joint Service Achievement Medal and before the Combat Action Ribbon.

Eligibility Criteria

According to Navy and Marine Corp Awards Manual, (SECNAVINST 1650.1G) "The award shall be given for meritorious service or achievement in a combat or non-combat situation based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature, and shall be of such merit as to warrant more tangible recognition than is possible by a fitness report or performance evaluation, but which does not warrant a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal or higher."

Air Medal

Since May 1, 1969 the Navy Commendation Medal is no longer issued for aerial missions, due to the establishment of the Air Medal.

References

• SECNAVINST 1650.1G Navy and Marine Corps Award Manual
• Navy Awards and Decorations
• Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal

Resources

• Example Navy Achievement Medal (NAM) Writeups