Navy Cross facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Navy Cross
Presented by	United States Department of the Navy

The Navy Cross is a very important military award given by the United States Naval Service. It's the second-highest award for bravery given to Sailors and Marines. They receive it for showing amazing courage in battles against an enemy.

This medal is similar to other top awards in the U.S. military. For example, it's like the Distinguished Service Cross for the Army. It's also like the Air Force Cross for the Air and Space Forces, and the Coast Guard Cross for the Coast Guard.

The Secretary of the Navy gives out the Navy Cross. Sometimes, people from other parts of the U.S. military can get it too. Even foreign military members can receive it if they serve with the U.S. Naval Service. The Navy Cross was officially created on February 4, 1919.

History of the Navy Cross

The Navy Cross was created partly because the United States joined World War I. Many European countries had special awards for heroes from other nations. But at that time, the Medal of Honor was the only U.S. award for bravery.

In 1918, the Army started giving out its own bravery awards. The Navy followed in 1919. At first, the Navy Cross was given for both combat heroism and other important service. But on August 7, 1942, Congress changed the rules. After that, the Navy Cross was only given for bravery in combat. It also became the second-highest award, right after the Medal of Honor.

Since it was created, the Navy Cross has been awarded more than 6,300 times. A famous artist named James Earle Fraser designed the medal. Since the 11 September 2001 attacks (also known as 9/11), the Navy Cross has been awarded 47 times.

Who Can Receive the Navy Cross?

The Navy Cross can be given to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces. This includes those serving with the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. They must show amazing heroism in action, but not quite enough for the Medal of Honor.

The brave act must happen in one of these situations:

1. During a fight against an enemy of the United States.
2. During military actions that involve a conflict with an opposing foreign force.
3. While serving with friendly foreign forces who are fighting, even if the U.S. is not directly involved.

The actions must be performed in a very dangerous situation. The person must take a great personal risk. Their actions must stand out among others of the same rank or experience. Small acts of bravery added together do not qualify for the Navy Cross.

Before 1942, the Navy Cross could be given for important non-combat actions. But after August 7, 1942, it was only for combat heroism.

How the Navy Cross is Worn

The Navy Cross was originally the third-highest Navy award. It was behind the Medal of Honor and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. But on August 7, 1942, Congress changed its rank. The Navy Cross moved up to be the second-highest award.

If someone receives the Navy Cross more than once, special stars are added. These stars are small, about 5/16 of an inch. A gold star is added for the second, third, fourth, and fifth awards. If someone were to get a sixth award, a silver star would replace the gold ones. So far, no one has received more than five Navy Cross awards.

What the Navy Cross Looks Like

The Medal Itself

The medal is a special kind of cross, about one and a half inches wide. The ends of its arms are rounded. In the spaces between the arms, there are four laurel leaves with berries.

In the middle of the front side, there's a picture of a sailing ship on waves. This ship is a symbolic caravel, a type of ship used a long time ago (between 1480 and 1500). The caravel was chosen because it represents naval service and the history of the sea. The laurel leaves and berries stand for achievement.

On the back side of the medal, there are two crossed anchors from an older time. The letters "USN" (United States Navy) are also visible among the anchors.

The Ribbon

The service ribbon for the Navy Cross is navy blue. It has a white stripe in the middle. The blue color represents naval service. The white color stands for being selfless and pure.

Notable Recipients

United States Navy

United States Marine Corps

United States Army

United States Coast Guard

Non-U.S. recipients

See also

In Spanish: Cruz de la Armada para niños

• Military awards and decorations
  • Military awards of the United States Department of the Navy
• List of recipients of the Navy Cross in the Vietnam War