How to Get a Navy Cross Medal

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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The Navy Cross was authorized by Congress on Feb. 4, 1919, and is the second highest medal (after the Medal of Honor) that the United States Navy can award. It is equivalent to the Air Force's Air Force Cross and the Army's Distinguished Service Cross. The following steps explain how to qualify for the Navy Cross.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Step1

Serve as a member of any United States Armed Forces, although the Navy Cross is normally awarded only to members of the Navy, the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard (in time of war.)

Step2

Perform an act of extraordinary heroism after April 5, 1917, that does not justify the Medal of Honor under one of the following circumstances: while in actual combat against a United States enemy, while participating in operations against an opposing foreign force or while serving with foreign forces in a conflict where the United States is a neutral party.

Step3

Make your act highly conspicuous when compared to other service members of your rank, experience or responsibility. The qualifying action must be performed at grave personal risk in the presence of great danger. The Navy Cross is not awarded for multiple acts of minor heroism.

Step4

Complete a non-combat act of heroism before Aug. 7, 1942. Since then, the award of the Navy Cross has been limited to combat acts.

Step5

Earn an additional award of the Navy Cross to receive a gold service star with a silver star representing five additional awards. Note, however, that in modern times the Navy Cross is almost always awarded posthumously.