Navy Cross
Encyclopedia
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy
and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy
, United States Marine Corps
and United States Coast Guard
, but can be awarded to all branches of United States military as well as members of foreign militaries. It was established by Act of Congress and approved on February 4, 1919. The Navy Cross is equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross
(Army) and the Air Force Cross
.
. Many European nations had the custom of decorating heroes from other nations, but the Medal of Honor
was the sole American award for valor at the time. The Army instituted the Distinguished Service Cross
and Distinguished Service Medal
in 1918, while the Navy followed suit in 1919, retroactive to 6 April 1917. Originally, the Navy Cross was lower in precedence than the Navy Distinguished Service Medal
, because it was awarded for both combat heroism and for "other distinguished service." Congress revised this on 7 August 1942, making the Navy Cross a combat-only award and second only to the Medal of Honor. Since its creation, it has been awarded more than 6,300 times.
It was designed by James Earle Fraser.
The first actual recipient of the Navy Cross is unknown because initial awards were made from a lengthy list published after World War I
. The most recent recipient is Gunnery Sergeant John S. Mosser, USMC, a native of Texas, who was awarded in a ceremony at Recon Point in Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan on 18 December 2009 for actions in Afghanistan
on 26 June 2008. Mosser, of 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force is credited with braving enemy fire repeatedly to rescue and treat wounded comrades. Then, “With the entire patrol desperately pinned down,” he devised a plan to break contact and extract his team, according to his medal citation. He is credited with saving 22 lives.
. The action must take place under one of three circumstances:
To earn a Navy Cross, the act to be commended must be performed in the presence of great danger or at great personal risk and must be performed in such a manner as to render the individual highly conspicuous among others of equal grade, rate, experience, or position of responsibility. An accumulation of minor acts of heroism does not justify an award of the Navy Cross. As originally authorized, the Navy Cross could be awarded for distinguished non-combat acts, but legislation of 7 August 1942 limited the award to acts of combat heroism.
and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal
. On 7 August 1942, Congress revised the precedence, making the Navy Cross senior to the Distinguished Service Medal. Since that time the Navy Cross has been worn after the Medal of Honor and before all other decorations.
Additional awards of the Navy Cross are denoted by gold award star
s, five-sixteenths of an inch in diameter, affixed to the ribbon. On the theoretically possible occasion of a servicemember being awarded the Navy Cross on six occasions, a silver award star would be used to indicate the feat. (Currently, no serviceman has been the recipient on more than five occasions; Roy Milton Davenport
received five awards, and General "Chesty" Puller
received five awards.)
. The earliest awards (1919–1928) featured a more narrow strip of white, while the so-called "Black Widow" medals awarded from 1941–1942 were notable for the dark color due to over-anodized finish.
Obverse
The Navy Cross is a modified cross pattée
one and a half inches wide (the ends of its arms are rounded whereas a conventional cross patée has arms that are straight on the end). There are four laurel leaves with berries in each of the re-entrant arms of the cross. In the center of the cross a sailing vessel is depicted on waves, sailing to the viewer's left. The vessel is a symbolic caravel
of the type used between 1480 and 1500. Fraser selected the caravel because it was a symbol often used by the Naval Academy and because it represented both naval service and the tradition of the sea. The laurel leaves with berries refer to achievement.
Reverse
In the center of a bronze cross pattée one and a half inches wide, crossed anchors from the pre-1850 period, with cables attached. The letters USN appear amid the anchors.
Ribbon
The ribbon is navy blue
with a center stripe of white
. The blue alludes to naval service and the white represents the purity of selflessness.
The Secretary of the Navy has only occasional opportunities to confirm that the Navy Cross has been awarded to a non-American recipient. Slightly more than 100 such honors have been extended to men who were not citizens of the United States.
Military awards of the United States Department of the Navy
Military awards of the United States Department of the Navy are those military decorations which are presented to members of the United States Navy and U.S. Marine Corps under the authority of the Secretary of the Navy....
and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
, United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
and United States Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
, but can be awarded to all branches of United States military as well as members of foreign militaries. It was established by Act of Congress and approved on February 4, 1919. The Navy Cross is equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
(Army) and the Air Force Cross
Air Force Cross (United States)
The Air Force Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Air Force. The Air Force Cross is the Air Force decoration equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross and the Navy Cross .The Air Force Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism...
.
History
The Navy Cross was instituted in part due to the entrance of the United States into World War IWorld War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. Many European nations had the custom of decorating heroes from other nations, but the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
was the sole American award for valor at the time. The Army instituted the Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
and Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Medal (Army)
The Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Army that is presented to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States military, has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great...
in 1918, while the Navy followed suit in 1919, retroactive to 6 April 1917. Originally, the Navy Cross was lower in precedence than the Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast...
, because it was awarded for both combat heroism and for "other distinguished service." Congress revised this on 7 August 1942, making the Navy Cross a combat-only award and second only to the Medal of Honor. Since its creation, it has been awarded more than 6,300 times.
It was designed by James Earle Fraser.
The first actual recipient of the Navy Cross is unknown because initial awards were made from a lengthy list published after World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. The most recent recipient is Gunnery Sergeant John S. Mosser, USMC, a native of Texas, who was awarded in a ceremony at Recon Point in Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan on 18 December 2009 for actions in Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
on 26 June 2008. Mosser, of 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force is credited with braving enemy fire repeatedly to rescue and treat wounded comrades. Then, “With the entire patrol desperately pinned down,” he devised a plan to break contact and extract his team, according to his medal citation. He is credited with saving 22 lives.
Criteria
The Navy Cross may be awarded to any member of the armed forces while serving with the Marine Corps, Navy, or Coast Guard (in time of war only) who distinguishes himself or herself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of HonorMedal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
. The action must take place under one of three circumstances:
- While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States
- While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force
- While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
To earn a Navy Cross, the act to be commended must be performed in the presence of great danger or at great personal risk and must be performed in such a manner as to render the individual highly conspicuous among others of equal grade, rate, experience, or position of responsibility. An accumulation of minor acts of heroism does not justify an award of the Navy Cross. As originally authorized, the Navy Cross could be awarded for distinguished non-combat acts, but legislation of 7 August 1942 limited the award to acts of combat heroism.
Wear
Originally the Navy Cross was the Navy's third-highest decoration, after the Medal of HonorMedal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast...
. On 7 August 1942, Congress revised the precedence, making the Navy Cross senior to the Distinguished Service Medal. Since that time the Navy Cross has been worn after the Medal of Honor and before all other decorations.
Additional awards of the Navy Cross are denoted by gold award star
Award star
An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force...
s, five-sixteenths of an inch in diameter, affixed to the ribbon. On the theoretically possible occasion of a servicemember being awarded the Navy Cross on six occasions, a silver award star would be used to indicate the feat. (Currently, no serviceman has been the recipient on more than five occasions; Roy Milton Davenport
Roy M. Davenport
Rear Admiral Roy Milton Davenport was an officer in the United States Navy and is the first individual and only sailor to receive five Navy Crosses, the U.S. Navy’s highest decoration after the Medal of Honor. Lieutenant General Chesty Puller, US Marines, was the second to be awarded five; there...
received five awards, and General "Chesty" Puller
Chesty Puller
Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller was an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Puller is the most decorated U.S...
received five awards.)
Description and symbolism
The award has been found similar in appearance to the British Distinguished Service CrossDistinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the third level military decoration awarded to officers, and other ranks, of the British Armed Forces, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and British Merchant Navy and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries.The DSC, which may be awarded posthumously, is...
. The earliest awards (1919–1928) featured a more narrow strip of white, while the so-called "Black Widow" medals awarded from 1941–1942 were notable for the dark color due to over-anodized finish.
Obverse
The Navy Cross is a modified cross pattée
Cross pattée
A cross pattée is a type of cross which has arms narrow at the centre, and broader at the perimeter. An early English example from the start of the age of heraldry proper A cross pattée (or "cross patty", known also as "cross formée/formy") is a type of cross which has arms narrow at the...
one and a half inches wide (the ends of its arms are rounded whereas a conventional cross patée has arms that are straight on the end). There are four laurel leaves with berries in each of the re-entrant arms of the cross. In the center of the cross a sailing vessel is depicted on waves, sailing to the viewer's left. The vessel is a symbolic caravel
Caravel
A caravel is a small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century by the Portuguese to explore along the West African coast and into the Atlantic Ocean. The lateen sails gave her speed and the capacity for sailing to windward...
of the type used between 1480 and 1500. Fraser selected the caravel because it was a symbol often used by the Naval Academy and because it represented both naval service and the tradition of the sea. The laurel leaves with berries refer to achievement.
Reverse
In the center of a bronze cross pattée one and a half inches wide, crossed anchors from the pre-1850 period, with cables attached. The letters USN appear amid the anchors.
Ribbon
The ribbon is navy blue
Navy blue
Navy blue is a very dark shade of the color blue which almost appears as black. Navy blue got its name from the dark blue worn by officers in the British Royal Navy since 1748 and subsequently adopted by other navies around the world....
with a center stripe of white
White
White is a color, the perception of which is evoked by light that stimulates all three types of color sensitive cone cells in the human eye in nearly equal amounts and with high brightness compared to the surroundings. A white visual stimulation will be void of hue and grayness.White light can be...
. The blue alludes to naval service and the white represents the purity of selflessness.
Notable recipients
- United States Navy Hospital CorpsmanUnited States Navy Hospital CorpsmanA Hospital Corpsman is an enlisted medical specialist for the United States Navy who serves with Navy and United States Marine Corps units. The Hospital Corpsman works in a wide variety of capacities and locations, including shore establishments such as naval hospitals and clinics, aboard ships,...
- The largest collective group awarded a total of 174 Navy Crosses.
United States Navy
- James Thomas AlexanderJames Thomas AlexanderJames Thomas Alexander was a United States Navy Captain who served as the 37th Naval Governor of Guam. He served as a commanding officer of ships during both World War I and World War II, receiving the Navy Cross for his actions during the First World War...
, Captain, 27th Naval Governor of Guam - Adelbert AlthouseAdelbert AlthouseAdelbert Althouse was a United States Navy Captain who served as the 27th and 29th Naval Governor of Guam. Prior to his Governorship, he served on ships in the Navy and participated in both the Spanish–American War and World War I...
, 27th and 29th Naval Governor of Guam - Barry K. AtkinsBarry K. AtkinsRear Admiral Barry Kennedy Atkins was an officer of the United States Navy best known for his achievements as a destroyer captain in World War II....
- William B. AultWilliam B. AultWilliam Bowen Ault was a commander in the United States Navy during World War II and a posthumous recipient of the Navy Cross.-Early Naval Career:...
- Matthew AxelsonMatthew AxelsonSonar Technician 2nd Class Matthew Gene Axelson was a United States Navy SEAL and Navy Cross recipient for his actions during Operation Red Wings.-Early life:...
- John "Jack" "Doc" Bradley
- Phil H. BucklewPhil H. BucklewPhil H. Bucklew was a former professional football player who went on to become a Navy officer. He served in one of the Navy's first special warfare units during World War II...
(two awards) - John D. BulkeleyJohn D. BulkeleyJohn Duncan Bulkeley was a Vice Admiral in United States Navy and was one of the most decorated naval officers. Bulkeley received the Medal of Honor for actions in the Pacific Theater during World War II...
- Charles P. CecilCharles P. CecilCharles Purcell Cecil was a US Navy Admiral who was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions at the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. In November 1942, Rear Admiral Cecil assumed command of the...
(two awards), namesake of - Gordon Pai'ea Chung-HoonGordon Pai'ea Chung-HoonGordon Paiea Chung-Hoon, was an admiral in the United States Navy, who served during World War II, and the first Asian American flag officer. His father, William Chung-Hoon Jr., a Chinese English Hawaiian, was a County Treasurer and his mother Agnes Punana, a Hawaiian, was a member of the...
- Bernard A. ClareyBernard A. ClareyBernard Ambrose Clarey , nicknamed "Chick", was an admiral of the United States Navy. A submarine commander during World War II, he served during the late 1960s as Vice Chief of Naval Operations and in the early 1970s and Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.-Early life and career:Clarey was...
(three awards) - George Thomas CokerGeorge Thomas CokerGeorge Thomas Coker is a retired US Navy commander, honored with the Navy Cross for his leadership as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War, and a Distinguished Eagle Scout noted for his devotion to Scouting....
- William P. CronanWilliam P. CronanWilliam Pigott Cronan was a United States Navy Captain who served as the 19th Naval Governor of Guam. During his tenure in the Navy, he became decorated, commanded a number of ships, and came to be known as "the most popular man in the Navy". He participated in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba...
, 19th Naval Governor of Guam - William Michael CroseWilliam Michael CroseWilliam Michael Crose was a United States Navy Commander and the seventh Naval Governor of American Samoa, from November 10, 1910 to March 14, 1913. He was the first person designated "Governor of American Samoa", rather than the previous "Governor of Tutuila".-Early life:Crose was born in...
, 7th Governor of American Samoa - Randy "Duke" CunninghamDuke CunninghamRandall Harold Cunningham , usually known as Randy or Duke, is United States Navy veteran, convicted felon, and former Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from California's 50th Congressional District from 1991 to 2005.Cunningham resigned from the House on November 28,...
- Slade CutterSlade CutterSlade Deville Cutter was a career U.S. naval officer who was awarded four Navy Crosses and tied for second place for Japanese ships sunk in World War II...
(four awards) - Roy Milton DavenportRoy M. DavenportRear Admiral Roy Milton Davenport was an officer in the United States Navy and is the first individual and only sailor to receive five Navy Crosses, the U.S. Navy’s highest decoration after the Medal of Honor. Lieutenant General Chesty Puller, US Marines, was the second to be awarded five; there...
(five awards) - Albert DavidAlbert DavidAlbert Leroy David was an officer in the United States Navy during World War II and a recipient of the Medal of Honor...
(two awards) - Samuel David DealeySamuel David DealeySamuel David Dealey was a United States Navy submarine commanding officer during World War II. He was among the most decorated naval officers of the war, receiving six awards for valor including the Medal of Honor for his actions aboard the during her fifth war patrol.-Early Life and...
(four awards) - Dieter DenglerDieter DenglerDieter Dengler was a United States Navy Naval aviator during the Vietnam War. He was one of the two survivors , out of seven, to escape from a Pathet Lao prison camp in Laos. He was rescued after 23 days on the run, and was the first captured U.S...
- Danny DietzDanny DietzGunner's Mate 2nd Class Danny Phillip Dietz Jr. of Littleton, Colorado was a U.S. Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the United States' 2nd highest citation for valor, the Navy Cross, on 13 September 2006.-Biography:...
- Glynn R. "Donc" DonahoGlynn R. DonahoGlynn Robert "Donc" Donaho was a U.S. Navy officer known principally for his exploits as a submarine commander during World War II, for which he received the Navy Cross four times, the Silver Star twice, and the Bronze Star twice. Donaho was born in George, Texas...
(four awards) - William P. DriscollWilliam P. DriscollWilliam "Willy Irish" Driscoll is a former United States Navy Flight Officer who received the Navy Cross during the Vietnam War for his role in an aerial dogfight with North Vietnamese MiGs...
- Joseph F. EnrightJoseph F. EnrightJoseph Francis Enright was a submarine captain in the United States Navy...
- William Charles FitzgeraldWilliam Charles FitzgeraldWilliam "Bill" C. Fitzgerald was a United States Navy officer who was killed in action during the Vietnam War, while serving as an advisor to the Republic of Vietnam Navy...
namesake of - Eugene B. FluckeyEugene B. FluckeyRear Admiral Eugene Bennett Fluckey , nicknamed "Lucky Fluckey", was a United States Navy submarine commander who received the Medal of Honor during World War II.-Early life and career:...
(four awards) - James Shepherd FreemanJames Shepherd FreemanJames Shepherd Freeman was a World War II Rear Admiral in the United States Navy and the son of Alabama millionaire James Stanley Freeman....
- William GilmerWilliam GilmerWilliam Wirt Gilmer was a United States Navy Captain who served as both the 22nd and 24th Naval Governor of Guam. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he commanded the USS South Carolina during World War I, for which he received the Navy Cross. During his two terms as governor, he proved...
, 22nd and 24th Naval Governor of Guam - Robert HalperinRobert HalperinRobert Sherman "Bob" Halperin , nicknamed "Buck", was an American competitive Star class sailor, and Olympic bronze medalist and Pan American Games gold medalist....
- William F. Halsey, Jr.William Halsey, Jr.Fleet Admiral William Frederick Halsey, Jr., United States Navy, , was a U.S. Naval officer. He commanded the South Pacific Area during the early stages of the Pacific War against Japan...
- Arthur Ray HawkinsArthur Ray HawkinsArthur Ray "Hawk" Hawkins was the U.S. Navy's 10th leading Ace with 14 Aerial Victories to his credit.-Biography:Hawkins was born in Zavalla, Texas on December 12, 1922...
(three awards) - William A. HodgmanWilliam A. HodgmanWilliam Adams Hodgman was a United States Navy captain and diplomat. He served on a number of ships, and briefly as the 23rd Naval Governor of Guam. During World War I, he commanded the USS Roe, for which he received the Navy Cross...
, 23rd Naval Governor of Guam - John HowardJohn Howard (American actor)John Howard was an American actor noted for his work in film and television.-Background:Born John R. Cox, Jr. in Cleveland, Ohio, he was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of what is now Case Western Reserve University. At college he discovered a love for the theater, and took part in student productions...
- Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr.Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr.Joseph Patrick "Joe" Kennedy, Jr. was an American bomber pilot during World War II. He was the eldest of nine children born to Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Sr., and Rose Elizabeth Kennedy....
- Ernest J. KingErnest KingFleet Admiral Ernest Joseph King was Commander in Chief, United States Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations during World War II. As COMINCH, he directed the United States Navy's operations, planning, and administration and was a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was the U.S...
- George LandenbergerGeorge LandenbergerGeorge Bertram Landenberger was a United States Navy Captain and the 23rd Governor of American Samoa, from May 12, 1932 to April 10, 1934. Landenberger commanded many ships during his naval career, as well as two naval yards. He received the Navy Cross for his actions commanding the USS Indiana...
, 23rd Governor of American Samoa - John H. LangJohn H. LangJohn H. Lang was an American who served with the Canadian Army in World War I and then with the United States Navy through World War II and the end of his career. He earned military awards and honors for heroic service from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan in the first half of the...
- Gatewood LincolnGatewood LincolnGatewood Sanders Lincoln was a United States Navy officer who served as the 19th and 22nd Governor of American Samoa. With Nathan Woodworth Post, Lincoln was one of only two American Samoan governors to serve non-consecutive terms...
, 22nd Governor of American Samoa - Marcus LuttrellMarcus LuttrellMarcus Luttrell is a former Petty Officer First Class and United States Navy SEAL. He received the Navy Cross for his actions in 2005 facing Taliban fighters during Operation Red Wing.-Early life:...
- Harold John MackHarold John Mack-Navy career:Mack enlisted in the Navy 18 May 1938 and reported to USS Vincennes on 14 September 1938 after completion of training at Great Lakes, Illinois.-Awarded the Navy Cross:...
- David McCampbellDavid McCampbellCaptain David McCampbell was an American naval aviator, who became the US Navy’s all-time leading ace with 34 aerial victories during World War II. The third-highest scoring US flying ace of World War II, he was the highest-scoring to survive the war.McCampbell was born in Bessemer, Alabama, and...
- Benjamin McCandlishBenjamin McCandlishBenjamin Vaughan McCandlish was a United States Navy Commodore who served as the 36th Naval Governor of Guam. McCandlish graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1909. As an ensign, he served aboard the USS Saratoga...
, Commodore, 36th Naval Governor of Guam.
- Pete McCloskeyPete McCloskeyPaul Norton "Pete" McCloskey Jr. is a former Republican politician from the U.S. state of California who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1967 to 1983. He ran on an anti-war platform for the Republican nomination for President in 1972 but was defeated by incumbent President...
- Donald L. McFaulDonald L. McFaulDonald Lewis McFaul, was a United States Navy SEAL killed in action at Paitilla Airfield during Operation Just Cause, the 1989 US Invasion of Panama. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Navy Cross for his heroism during the battle while pulling another SEAL to safety. Only two Navy...
- Luke McNameeLuke McNameeLuke McNamee was a United States Navy Admiral, businessman, and the 10th and 12th Naval Governor of Guam. He served in the Navy for 42 years, during which time he held multiple commands. During the Spanish–American War, he earned the Navy Cross, and later the Legion of Honour...
, Admiral, 10th and 12th Governor of Guam, and 21st Director of the Office of Naval Intelligence. - Doris "Dorie" MillerDoris MillerDoris "Dorie" Miller was a cook in the United States Navy noted for his bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. He was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross, the third highest honor awarded by the U.S...
(first African American recipient) - Marc MitscherMarc MitscherAdmiral Marc Andrew "Pete" Mitscher was an admiral in the United States Navy who served as commander of the Fast Carrier Task Force in the Pacific in the latter half of World War II.-Early life and career:...
(two awards) - John Anderson MooreJohn Anderson Moore- External links :*...
(three awards) - Dudley W. "Mush" Morton (four awards)
- Edward "Butch" O'HareEdward O'HareLieutenant Commander Edward Henry “Butch” O’Hare was an Irish-American naval aviator of the United States Navy who on February 20, 1942 became the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient in World War II. Butch O’Hare’s final action took place on the night of November 26, 1943,...
- Richard H. "Dick" O'KaneRichard O'KaneRear Admiral Richard Hetherington “Dick” O'Kane was a United States Navy submarine commander in World War II, who received a Medal of Honor for his service on the...
(three awards) - Chick ParsonsChick ParsonsCharles Thomas Parsons, Jr. was a businessman, diplomat, and decorated World War II veteran. He was born April 22, 1902, in Shelbyville, Tennessee...
(two awards) - Edwin Taylor PollockEdwin Taylor PollockEdwin Taylor Pollock was a career officer in the United States Navy, serving in both the Spanish-American War and World War I. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of captain. Like many naval officers, his name was often abbreviated using initials: Pollock.As a young ensign, Pollock served...
- George S. RentzGeorge S. RentzGeorge Snavely Rentz was a United States Navy chaplain who served during World War I and World War II. For selfless heroism following the loss of in the Battle of Sunda Strait, he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross— the only Navy Chaplain to be so honored during World War II.-Personal...
- Samuel B. RobertsSamuel B. RobertsSamuel Booker Roberts, Jr. was a U.S. Navy coxswain who was killed in the Battle of Guadalcanal, and became the namesake of three U.S. Navy warships....
- Dean RockwellDean RockwellDean Ladrath Rockwell was a decorated World War II group commander in the D-Day invasion, an Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling coach, and a college football coach....
- Tony F. SchneiderTony F. SchneiderTony F. Schneider is a former World War II pilot who served as Associate Professor of Naval Science at University of Louisville and as Professor of Naval Science at the University of New Mexico.-Bombing Squadron 6:...
(two awards) - Rodger W. SimpsonRodger W. SimpsonRodger Whitton Simpson was a rear admiral of the United States Navy, who distinguished himself during World War II. The frigate was named in his honor.-Biography:...
(two awards) - Raymond A. SpruanceRaymond A. SpruanceRaymond Ames Spruance was a United States Navy admiral in World War II.Spruance commanded US naval forces during two of the most significant naval battles in the Pacific theater, the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Philippine Sea...
- George L. Street, III
- Robert J. ThomasRobert J. ThomasRobert J. Thomas is a former President and Chief Executive Officer of Nissan Motor Corporation, U.S.A., and Clinton Administration appointee for the One America Initiative. Thomas was President and CEO of Nissan Motors USA from 1993 to 1997...
- Corydon M. WassellCorydon M. WassellCorydon McAlmont Wassell was a former United States Navy physician. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated with an M.D. from the University of Arkansas in 1909 and began his practice in Tillar, Arkansas. In 1913, Wassell left his practice to serve as a medical missionary in Wuchang,...
- Ivan WettengelIvan WettengelIvan Cyrus Wettengel was a United States Navy Captain who served as the 25th Naval Governor of Guam. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Wettengel commanded a number of ships. He received the Navy Cross for his command of the USS Wisconsin during World War I. He also commanded the USS...
, 25th Naval Governor of Guam - Adam Williams (actor, awarded as Adam William Berg)
United States Marine Corps
- Robert H. BarrowRobert H. BarrowRobert Hilliard Barrow was an American general, who was the 27th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps from 1979 to 1983. Barrow served for 41 years, including overseas command duty in three wars...
- Gregory "Pappy" BoyingtonPappy BoyingtonGregory "Pappy" Boyington was a United States Marine Corps officer who was an American fighter ace during World War II. For his heroic actions, he was awarded both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. Boyington flew initially with the American Volunteer Group in the Republic of China Air Force...
- Daniel DalyDaniel DalySergeant Major Daniel Joseph "Dan" Daly was a United States Marine and one of only nineteen men to have received the Medal of Honor twice...
- Ray Davis
- William A. EddyWilliam A. EddyWilliam Alfred "Bill" Eddy was a U.S. minister to Saudi Arabia , university professor and college president , and United States Marine Corps officer—serving in World War I and World War II, and U.S...
- Merritt A. EdsonMerritt A. EdsonMajor General Merritt Austin Edson , known as "Red Mike", was a general in the United States Marine Corps. Among the decorations he received was the Medal of Honor, two Navy Crosses, the Silver Star, and two Legions of Merit...
(two awards) - Guy GabaldonGuy GabaldonPFC Guy Louis Gabaldon was a United States Marine who was credited with capturing about 1,500 Japanese soldiers and civilians during the Battle of Saipan in World War II...
- Henry Louis LarsenHenry Louis LarsenHenry Louis Larsen was a United States Marine Corps Lieutenant General, the second Military Governor of Guam following its recapture from the Empire of Japan, and the first post-World War II Governor of Guam. He also served as the Military Governor of American Samoa alongside civilian Governor of...
(two awards) - William Edward Campbell MarchWilliam MarchWilliam March was an American author and a highly decorated US Marine. The author of six novels and four short-story collections, March was praised by critics and heralded as "the unrecognized genius of our time", without attaining popular appeal until after his death.March grew up in rural...
- Karl MarlantesKarl MarlantesKarl Marlantes is the author of Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War, a New York Times Top 10 Bestseller published in 2010. The New York Times declared Matterhorn "one of the most profound and devastating novels ever to come out of Vietnam"...
- Raymond MurrayRaymond MurrayMajor General Raymond Leroy Murray was a highly-decorated United States Marine Corps officer, who earned two Navy Crosses, one during World War II, and a second during the Korean War...
(two awards)
- Lewis "Chesty" PullerChesty PullerLieutenant General Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller was an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Puller is the most decorated U.S...
(five awards) - Kenneth L. Reusser (two awards)
- John RipleyJohn Ripley (USMC)John Walter Ripley was a United States Marine Corps officer who received the Navy Cross for his actions in combat during the Vietnam War. On Easter morning 1972, Captain Ripley, repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire over a three hour period as he prepared to blow up an essential...
- William H. Rupertus
- Harry SchmidtHarry Schmidt (USMC)General Harry Schmidt served as Commanding General of the Fourth Marine Division during the Marshall Islands campaign and the Battle of Saipan, and as Commanding General of the Fifth Amphibious Corps during the battles of Tinian and Iwo Jima, during World War II...
- Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr.Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr.Lemuel Cornick Shepherd, Jr. was a four-star general of the United States Marine Corps. A veteran of World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, he was the 20th Commandant of the Marine Corps...
- Alexander VandegriftAlexander VandegriftAlexander Archer Vandegrift, KBE, CB was a General in the United States Marine Corps. He commanded the 1st Marine Division to victory in its first ground offensive of World War II — Battle of Guadalcanal. For his actions during the Solomon Islands campaign, he received the Medal of Honor...
- Lew WaltLewis William WaltLewis William Walt , also known as Lew Walt, was a United States Marine Corps officer who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His decorations included two Navy Crosses and two Distinguished Service Medals...
(two awards) - Jim WebbJim WebbJames Henry "Jim" Webb, Jr. is the senior United States Senator from Virginia. He is also an author and a former Secretary of the Navy. He is a member of the Democratic Party....
- John BasiloneJohn BasiloneJohn Basilone was a United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II...
United States Army
- Stephen J. ChamberlinStephen J. ChamberlinStephen Jones Chamberlin was a lieutenant general in the United States Army who served during World War II as General of the Army Douglas MacArthur's Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, the staff officer in charge of plans and operations. Born in Spring Hill, Kansas on 23 December 1889, he was a 1912...
United States Coast Guard
- Frederick C. BillardFrederick C. BillardFrederick C. Billard served as the sixth Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1924 until his death. He is the only Coast Guard Commandant to die in office....
- Elmer Fowler StoneElmer Fowler StoneElmer "Archie" Fowler Stone was a United States naval aviator and a Commander in the United States Coast Guard.-Biography:...
Non-citizen recipients
- Gordon BridsonGordon BridsonCommander Gordon Bridson DSO, DSC of the Royal New Zealand Navy was the commander of the minesweeping trawler Kiwi which, with her sister ship Moa, fought a classic duel with Japanese submarine I-1....
, New Zealand (1943). - Ernesto BurzagliErnesto BurzagliErnesto Burzagli CB was a prominent figure in the Kingdom of Italy during the early 20th century. During a lifetime career in the Italian Royal Navy , he rose to the rank of Admiral and Chief of Staff...
, Italy (1919). - Harold FarncombHarold FarncombRear Admiral Harold Bruce Farncomb, CB, DSO, MVO was a lawyer and Australian Rear Admiral who served in both World War I and World War II. He was the first Australian-born RAN officer to reach a flag rank in the RAN...
, Australia (1945). - Israel FisanovichIsrael FisanovichIsrael Ilyich Fisanovich born 1914, died 1944, was a Soviet Navy submarine commander and Hero of the Soviet Union. He died when his submarine, the former was sunk in a friendly fire incident....
, Soviet Union (1944), Soviet NavySoviet NavyThe Soviet Navy was the naval arm of the Soviet Armed Forces. Often referred to as the Red Fleet, the Soviet Navy would have played an instrumental role in a Warsaw Pact war with NATO, where it would have attempted to prevent naval convoys from bringing reinforcements across the Atlantic Ocean...
submarine commander - Peter PhippsPeter PhippsPete Phipps is a rock drummer, singer and songwriter known for his work with Gary Glitter, The Glitter Band, and later Eurythmics, XTC and Denim.-Biography:...
, New Zealand (1943). - Ronald Niel StuartRonald Niel StuartRonald Niel Stuart VC DSO RD RNR was a British Merchant Navy commodore and Royal Navy captain who was highly commended following extensive and distinguished service at sea over a period of more than thirty-five years...
, first Royal NavyRoyal NavyThe Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
officer to receive both the American Navy Cross and the British Victoria CrossVictoria CrossThe Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
.
See also
- Awards and decorations of the United States militaryAwards and decorations of the United States militaryAwards and decorations of the United States Military are military decorations which recognize service and personal accomplishments while a member of the United States armed forces...