Special thanks to Peter Gruhn (hippy) for drawing the palm tree device. He's far more artistically inclined than I...but so is my dog for that matter (Peter's much better than my dog).
If you would like a page like this for yourself, feel free to steal my GIF file and edit it to save yourself some work.
The text descriptions for these awards was found on the Navy Medals page which, unfortunately, is no longer available.
Navy Achievement Medal (2)
Authorized by the Secretary of the Navy on January 24, 1962, and awarded to junior officers and enlisted personnel serving in any capacity with the Navy and Marine Corps who distinguish themselves by outstanding professional achievement or for leadership. Originally a non-combat award, the achievement medal is now awarded for both combat and non-combat service. The combat "V" device is worn on the ribbon if stipulated in the citation.
Navy Unit Citation
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.
Meritorious Unit Citation
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.
Good Conduct Medal
Authorized on November 21, 1884, and awarded on a selective basis to enlisted service members of the United States Navy and US Naval Reserve (active duty) for three years of continuous active service of a creditable above-average nature in the areas of professional performance, military behavior, leadership, military appearance and adaptability.
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 for service during the Persian Gulf War period.
Southwest Asia Service Medal
Authorized by Executive order 12754, on March 12, 1991, this medal was awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Southwest Asia and contiguous waters or airspace thereover on or after August 2, 1990 to a date to be determined. One bronze service star is worn for participation in each designated campaign.
Sea Service Deployment
This award was approved by the Secretary of the Navy on May 22, 1980. It recognizes the unique and demanding nature of sea service and the arduous duty attendant with such service deployments. The award of the ribbon was made retroactive to August 15 1974. It is presented to officers and enlisted personnel of the US Navy and Marine Corps assigned to US homeported ships and overseas ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force (FMF) commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or duty with FMF, which includes at least one 90-consecutive-day deployment.
Kuwait Liberation Medal
Awarded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who directly participated in Operation Desert Storm.
Brad Stowers
bstowers@pobox.com
January 21, 1998
This site maintained with 
