Exploring the Meaning and Significance of the Navy Cross

The Navy Cross is a symbol of extraordinary heroism for those in the U.S. Armed Forces. Besides the Medal of Honor, it's the second-highest military decoration for those in the Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and Coast Guard. The Navy Cross medal honors those who've shown exceptional bravery against an enemy of the United States at great personal risk. Learn more about this Medal of heroism and the exceptional servicemembers whose brave acts ensure the preservation of our country's freedoms. 

To honor these courageous individuals, Carrot-Top is proud to offer an extensive selection of military flags, grave markers, and flag cases. We stock all service branches, including the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and more. Discover the American-made difference with vibrant flags from Carrot-Top Industries. 

What Do You Have to Do to Get a Navy Cross? 

The Navy Cross is the second-highest medal given by the United States government, right under the Medal of Honor. Only members of the U.S. Naval service, including the Marines and the Coast Guard, who serve under a naval unit can qualify. The Naval Cross is awarded for acts of extraordinary combat heroism and bravery. 

There are three conditions of action that can qualify a servicemember for the Navy Cross medal. They must meet at least one, which includes: 

• The action must occur alongside friendly foreign forces jointly engaged in an armed conflict where the U.S. isn't a belligerent party. 
• Against an armed enemy of the U.S. 
• Engaged in a military operation with a conflict against an opposing foreign force. 

Why was the Navy Cross Created? 

The origins of the Navy Cross date back to the United States' entrance into World War I. At the time, the United States only had the Medal of Honor for wartime valor. To honor different levels of heroism, the Army developed the Distinguished Service Medal and the Army Distinguished Service Cross. The Navy answered with its own award, the Navy Cross, in 1919, making it retroactive to April 6, 1917. 

When it was first introduced, the Navy Cross held a lower level of precedence than the Navy's Distinguished Service Medal, but on August 7, 1942, during World War II, Congress revised the ranking by making the Navy Cross second to the Medal of Honor and a combat-only award. Since it was introduced, there have been over 6,300 Navy Cross recipients. 

Design and Symbolism of the Navy Cross 

As the name suggests, the Navy Cross is in the shape of a cross pattee with modified rounded arms instead of the traditional straight. It's 1 1/2 inches wide, and the obverse side shows each arm holding four laurel leaves that have berries on top. A sailing ship sits in the cross's center atop waves and on the sailor viewing left. 

The ship used on the Medal is symbolic of the types of vessels used from 1480 to 1500. It's also commonly used by the Naval Academy since it represents the tradition of the sea and naval service. The laurel leaves and berries symbolize achievement. 

On the reverse side, crossed anchors dating back to before the 1850s with cables are used. Atop the anchors are the letters USN. 

The ribbon used on the Medal is Navy blue with a white stripe down the center. Blue signifies naval service, while white denotes selflessness and purity. 

For service members who receive multiple Navy Cross awards, gold stars are presented and attached to the cross. There's enough room for five stars, but if a recipient receives six or more, a silver star will be used. Interestingly, no one has ever been awarded more than five Navy Cross medals, with General Puller and Roy Milton Davenport both receiving five. 

Notable Navy Cross Recipients 

While every Navy Cross Recipient is a hero, here are a few examples of notable servicemembers who fought bravely and courageously. 

Aubrey L. McDade Jr. 

Sgt. McDade was awarded the Navy Cross for heroic actions during the Global War on Terror. During a convoy, McDade's unit came under intense enemy fire, where three Marines were injured and pinned down. Without regard for his own safety, Sgt. McDade braved enemy fire three times, retrieving each servicemember and saving the lives of two. 

Lieutenant Edward Andrew Dickson 

Lt. Dickson received the Navy Cross for his heroism during the Vietnam War. As a jet attack pilot assigned to Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE, his plane was shot during a retaliatory air strike. Instead of ejecting immediately, Lt. Dickson chose to stay in his burning craft until he could release his bombs on his target area. Afterward, he flew his plane out to sea in order to avoid innocent casualties, ejecting himself but unfortunately losing his life in the process. 

Chief Nurse Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee 

Lenah Higbee was the first woman to receive the Navy Cross for her work in the Navy Nurse Corps during World War I. She also led the unit through Spanish influenza, helping save the lives of countless servicemen. Higbee was one of only twenty women in the Navy Nurses, affectionately known as the "Sacred Twenty." 

The Navy Cross vs. The Medal of Honor 

While similar, the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor have slight differences. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration the U.S. government awards for acts of valor that go above and beyond the call of duty. The actions deserving of the Medal of Honor significantly exceed those of the Navy Cross, although both are awarded for extraordinary heroism. 

Celebrate Heroism at Carrot-Top 

Carrot-Top is proud to honor our brave servicemembers with top-quality, American-made flags and accessories. Explore our extensive selection of American flags, veteran flags, and grave markers crafted from the finest materials for exquisite vibrancy and quality. Celebrate the heroism of America's servicemembers with Carrot-Top Industries.