Understanding Uniform Ribbons in the Navy is crucial for recognizing service, achievements, and acts of valor. These small strips of fabric represent a rich history of dedication and sacrifice. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Navy uniform ribbons, their order of precedence, and what they signify, drawing from official sources like SECNAVINST 1650.1 and the U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations (NAVPERS 15665J).
The order in which uniform ribbons are worn is not arbitrary; it follows a strict hierarchy, reflecting the importance of each award. The ribbons are displayed from the wearer’s right to left, starting with the highest award. This system ensures that the most significant honors are prominently recognized. Below is a detailed breakdown of the precedence, allowing you to understand the story behind each ribbon.
| Medal of Honor | Navy Cross | Defense Distinguished Service Medal | Distinguished Service Medal |
The Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration, is awarded for valor in action against an enemy force. Following in precedence is the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism. The Defense Distinguished Service Medal and Distinguished Service Medal recognize exceptionally meritorious service to the Department of Defense and the United States government, respectively.
| Silver Star | Defense Superior Service Medal | Legion of Merit | Distinguished Flying Cross |
The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry in action, while the Defense Superior Service Medal recognizes superior meritorious performance in a position of significant responsibility. The Legion of Merit is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.
| Navy/Marine Corps Medal | Bronze Star | Purple Heart | Defense Meritorious Service Medal |
The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is awarded for acts of heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone. The Purple Heart is awarded to those wounded or killed in action against an enemy. The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is for outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the Department of Defense.
| Meritorious Service Medal | Air Medal | Joint Service Commendation Medal | Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal |
The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded for outstanding meritorious service and achievements. The Air Medal is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. Both the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal recognize meritorious service or achievement while serving in a joint duty capacity or with the Navy and Marine Corps, respectively.
| Joint Service Achievement Medal | Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal | Combat Action Ribbon | Presidential Unit Citation |
The Joint Service Achievement Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal recognize outstanding achievement or meritorious service of a lesser degree than the Commendation Medals. The Combat Action Ribbon is awarded to personnel who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. The Presidential Unit Citation is awarded to units for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy.
| Joint Meritorious Unit Award | Navy Unit Commendation | Meritorious Unit Commendation | Navy “E” Ribbon |
The Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, and Meritorious Unit Commendation are awarded to units for meritorious performance in combat or during peacetime. The Navy “E” Ribbon recognizes outstanding performance in shipboard or aviation unit competitions.
| POW Medal | Good Conduct Medal | Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal | Navy Fleet Marine Force Ribbon |
The POW Medal honors those who were prisoners of war. The Good Conduct Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior and efficiency in the Navy. The Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy Fleet Marine Force Ribbon are specific to Navy Reserve personnel and those serving with Fleet Marine Forces, respectively.
| Navy Expeditionary Medal | National Defense Service Medal | Korean Service Medal | Antarctica Service Medal |
The Navy Expeditionary Medal is awarded for service in a U.S. Navy expedition. The National Defense Service Medal is awarded to all members of the military during periods of national emergency. The Korean Service Medal and Antarctica Service Medal recognize service in specific geographic locations and operations.
| Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal | Vietnam Service Medal | Southwest Asia Service Medal | Kosovo Campaign Medal |
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is for participation in U.S. military operations in specific areas. The Vietnam Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, and Kosovo Campaign Medal are campaign medals for service in those specific conflicts.
| Afghanistan Campaign Medal | Iraq Campaign Medal | Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal | Global War on Terrorism Service Medal |
The Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal are further campaign medals for more recent conflicts. The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal are awarded for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations.
| Korea Defense Service Medal | Armed Forces Service Medal | Humanitarian Service Medal | Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal |
The Korea Defense Service Medal is for service in Korea after the Korean War. The Armed Forces Service Medal is awarded for participation in U.S. military operations. The Humanitarian Service Medal is awarded for significant meritorious service in humanitarian operations. The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal recognizes outstanding volunteer community service.
| Sea Service Deployment Ribbon | Navy Arctic Service Ribbon | Navy Reserve Sea Service Ribbon | Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon |
The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Navy Arctic Service Ribbon are service ribbons denoting specific types of duty. The Navy Reserve Sea Service Ribbon is for Navy Reserve personnel’s sea service. The Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded for overseas service in the Navy or Marine Corps.
| Navy Recruiting Service Ribbon | Navy Recruit Training Service Medal | Navy Ceremonial Guard Service Ribbon | Navy Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon |
The Navy Recruiting Service Ribbon, Navy Recruit Training Service Medal, Navy Ceremonial Guard Service Ribbon, and Navy Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon are service ribbons and medals for specific duties and achievements within the Navy.
| Armed Forces Reserve Medal | Navy Reserve Medal | Philippine Presidential Unit Citation | Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation |
The Armed Forces Reserve Medal and Navy Reserve Medal recognize service in the reserves. The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation are foreign unit awards, demonstrating allied recognition.
| Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation | Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation | Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Action | United Nations Service Medal |
The Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Action are further foreign unit awards related to service in Vietnam. The United Nations Service Medal is awarded for service in UN operations.
| United Nations Medal | NATO Medal | Multinational Force and Observers Medal | Inter American Defense Board Medal |
The United Nations Medal, NATO Medal, Multinational Force and Observers Medal, and Inter-American Defense Board Medal represent service with international organizations and alliances.
| Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 1960’s Device | Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) | Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) | Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon |
The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Kuwait Liberation Medals are campaign and liberation medals. Marksmanship Ribbons like the Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon and Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon are awarded for proficiency in arms.
| Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon |
This order of precedence is crucial for proper uniform wear. For detailed regulations and further information, consult official Navy resources such as SECNAVINST 1650.1 and NAVPERS 15665J. Understanding uniform ribbons is more than just knowing their names; it’s about appreciating the accomplishments and sacrifices they represent.
