The Navy Expeditionary Medal (NEM) is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps that was first created on April 17, 1936, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It is awarded to any service member who, while serving in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps, has performed designated expeditionary duties in an operational role, typically outside the continental United States.
The medal is designed to recognize those who have participated in designated Navy and Marine Corps expeditions and operations, often in remote or hostile environments. It is a significant award, reflecting the unique and challenging nature of expeditionary service.
Criteria and Eligibility
The criteria for awarding the Navy Expeditionary Medal have evolved over time, reflecting the changing nature of naval operations. Generally, the medal is awarded for service in expeditions and operations that meet specific criteria, such as:
- Participation in designated naval or marine corps expeditions or operations.
- Service in a combat zone or a hostile environment.
- Completion of a minimum number of days of service (usually 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days) in a designated area.
- Engagement in operations that involve risk or exposure to hostile actions.
The eligibility criteria are often detailed and specific, ensuring that the medal is awarded only for significant and relevant service. For instance, certain expeditions or operations may have unique criteria due to the nature of the mission or the specific threats faced by service members.
Examples of Qualifying Expeditions
Throughout its history, several notable expeditions and operations have led to the award of the Navy Expeditionary Medal. These include:
- The evacuation of non-combatants from Tientsin, China, during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1938)
- Operations in the Caribbean and Central America during the Banana Wars (1903-1933)
- The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
- Operation Earnest Will (1987-1988) during the Iran-Iraq War
- Operations in the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War (1990-1991)
Appearance and Design
The Navy Expeditionary Medal is a bronze circular medal, 1 1/8 inches in diameter, and features a unique design that sets it apart from other naval awards.
- Obverse: The central design element is a clipper ship, which represents the naval tradition and the global reach of the U.S. Navy. The ship is sailing with full sails, symbolizing expeditionary operations. The word "EXPLORATION" is inscribed above the ship, and "USA" is inscribed below.
- Reverse: The reverse of the medal bears the inscription "FOR SERVICE IN DEFENSE OF AMERICAN INTERESTS" within a circular border. The center of the reverse is blank and can be engraved with the recipient's name.
- Ribbon: The ribbon of the Navy Expeditionary Medal is predominantly blue, with white stripes on either side and a narrow red stripe running through the center. The colors represent the traditional naval colors of the United States.
Devices and Additional Awards
As with many military awards, the Navy Expeditionary Medal can be awarded with devices to denote subsequent awards or additional service.
- Combat "V": The Combat "V" device, denoted by a "V" in gold, is authorized for wear on the medal if the service member participated in actual combat while earning the medal.
- Additional Awards: Subsequent awards of the Navy Expeditionary Medal are denoted by 5/16 inch stars, which are attached to the service ribbon. Each star represents an additional award of the medal.
Significance and Impact
The Navy Expeditionary Medal holds significant importance within the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, recognizing the unique and often challenging nature of expeditionary service. Service members who receive this award have contributed to operations that have advanced U.S. interests and protected the nation's security.
The medal's design, with its depiction of a clipper ship, symbolizes the Navy's historical role in exploration and its continued role in projecting power and influence globally. It is a testament to the bravery and dedication of those who serve in often-difficult expeditionary environments.
| Expedition | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tientsin Evacuation | 1937-1938 | China |
| Banana Wars | 1903-1933 | Caribbean, Central America |
| Cuban Missile Crisis | 1962 | Cuba |
| Operation Earnest Will | 1987-1988 | Persian Gulf |
| Gulf War | 1990-1991 | Persian Gulf |
Can the Navy Expeditionary Medal be awarded for peacetime service?
+Yes, the medal can be awarded for both wartime and peacetime service, provided the service member meets the eligibility criteria for the specific expedition or operation. This flexibility recognizes the importance of both combat and non-combat expeditionary roles in advancing U.S. interests.
What is the difference between the Navy Expeditionary Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal?
+The Navy Expeditionary Medal is specific to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, recognizing their expeditionary operations. The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, on the other hand, is a joint service award, given to members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces for participation in designated expeditions and operations that do not meet the criteria for other campaign medals.
Are there any restrictions on the number of times a service member can receive the Navy Expeditionary Medal?
+There are no restrictions on the number of times a service member can receive the Navy Expeditionary Medal. Each subsequent award of the medal is denoted by a 5⁄16 inch star on the service ribbon. This recognizes the individual’s continued service and dedication to expeditionary operations.
