Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (NMCCOM)

The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal was authorized in 1944 as the Navy Commendation Ribbon.  The metal pendant was added in 1960 and the name changed to the Navy Commendation Medal.  The current name was adopted in 1994.  The NMCCOM is used to recognize the meritorious service and achievements of junior officers and enlisted personnel.

Eligibility Requirements:  Awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps (including foreign military personnel), distinguishes himself after 6 December 1941, by heroic or meritorious achievement or service.  To merit this award, the acts or services must be accomplished or performed in a manner above that normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual above those performing similar services, as set forth in the following:

    1.    For Acts of Heroism; Worthy of special recognition, but not to the degree required
           for the Bronze Star Medal when combat is involved or the Navy and Marine Corps
           Medal when combat is not involved.

    2.    For Meritorious Achievement; Outstanding and worthy of special recognition, but
           not to the degree required for Bronze Star or Air Medal when combat is involved
           or the Meritorious Service Medal or Air Medal when combat is not involved.  The
           achievement should be such as to constitute a definite contribution to the naval
           service, such as an invention,  improvement in design, procedure, or organization.
 
    3.    For meritorious Service; Outstanding and worthy of special recognition, but not to
           the degree required for the Bronze Star Medal or Air Medal when combat is
           involved or the Meritorious Service Medal or Air Medal when combat is not
           involved.  The award may cover an extended period of time during which a higher
           award may have been recommended or received for specific act(s).  The criteria,
           however, should not be the period of service involved, but rather the circumstances
           and conditions under which the service was performed.  The performance should be
           well above that usually expected of an individual commensurate with his grade or
           rate, and above that degree of excellence which can be appropriately reflected in
           the individual's fitness report or personnel records.

Information provided by:
    The Marine Wives Web Site