The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the second highest non-combatant medal awarded by the United States Department of the Navy to members of the U.S. Navy and the United States Marine Corps. The decoration was established by an act of Congress on August 7, 1942.
The Navy and Marine Corps Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.
The Navy and Marine Corps Medal was first bestowed during the Second World War, although the first recepiant is unknown. A famous recepiant of the Navy and Marine Corps Medal was President John F. Kennedy who was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for service as Commanding Officer of a World War II PT Boat.
The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is generally considered the equivalent of the U.S. Army Soldier's Medal.
See Also: Awards and decorations of the United States military
