Combat Action Ribbon
Authorized on February 17, 1969, this ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard for combat action service. The principal requirement is that the personnel must have been in a ground or surface combat fire-fight, or action during which they were under enemy fire, and that their performance under fire must have been satisfactory.
This Ribbon is awarded retroactive thru WWII.
Presidential Unit Citation
Authorized by Executive Order 9050 on February 6, 1942, this is awarded by the Secretary of the Navy in the name of the President, to any ship, aircraft, or naval unit, or any Marine Corps aircraft, detachment, or higher unit for outstanding performance in action against an armed enemy of the United States on or after December 7, 1941. Although created as a combat award, there have been two non-combat awards authorized. To the USS NAUTILUS (SSN-571) for the first cruise of a nuclear submarine, July 22 to August 5, 1958; and to the USS TRITON (SSN-586) for the submerged circumnavigation of the world, February 16 to May 10, 1960.
(3/3 for dates: 21Jul1944-10Aug1944, 12May1965-30Aug1966, 27Oct1966-15Sep1967 one award only)
Navy Unit Commendation
Established by the Secretary of the Navy on December 18, 1944 and awarded by the Secretary with the approval of the President, this Unit commendation is conferred on any ship, aircraft, detachment, or other unit of the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps which, subsequent to December 6, 1941, distinguished itself by outstanding heroism in action against the enemy, but not sufficient to warrant award of the Presidential Unit Citation. It is also awarded for extremely meritorious service not involving combat but in support of military operations, which were outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service.
(3/3 for dates: 01Nov1943 - 22Dec1943, 18-23Aug1965, 13Dec1968-21Feb1969 only)
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
Authorized by SECNAVNOTE 1650, on July 17, 1967, and awarded by the Secretary to any unit of the US Navy or Marine Corps which distinguished itself by either valorous or meritorious achievement considered outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify award of the Navy Unit Commendation. Awarded for combat or non-combat services.
(3/3 for dates: 29Dec1967-12Jan1968, 01May-16Sep1968 only)
(OEF 11/24/2004 - 06/15/2005 )
National Defense Service Medal
Authorized on April 22, 1953 and amended on January 11, 1966, this medal was awarded for honorable active military service as a member of the United States Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard, between June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1954 (Korean War period) and between January 1, 1961 and August 14, 1974, (Vietnam War Period). It has most recently been awarded to active duty military members.
Vietnam Service Medal
Authorized on July 19, 1965 and awarded to all service members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, between July 4, 1965 and March 28, 1973, served in Vietnam and the contiguous waters, and airspace, in Thailand, Laos or Cambodia or airspace in direct support of military operations in Vietnam. Personnel previously awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for services between July 1958 and July 1963 could exchange these medals for the Vietnam S. M.
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
(With Palm Leaf Device)
Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States for valorous achievement in combat during the Vietnam conflict, March 1, 1961 through March 28, 1973. This Unit Citation is for all who were with USMC units RVN.
SECNAV INST 1650.1H 7-5 [see bottom of this page]
Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions First Class Color
(With Palm Leaf Device)
The ribbon bar with palm and frame are authorized for wear by all Navy and Marine Corps personnel ... who served "in country" in Vietnam, during the eligibility period 1 January 1965 to 28 March 1973
[note: This appears limited to a Ribbon w/frame and palm only]
SECNAV INST 1650.1H 7-5 [see bottom of this page]
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have served for a six-month period in Vietnam, its surrounding waters or in air support against an armed enemy in Vietnam between March 1, 1961 and March 28, 1973. The time limit is waived if the recipient was killed, wounded or captured at any before the limit.