Navy Cross the anchors. The service ribbon is navy blue with a center stripe of white identical to the suspension ribbon of the medal. The blue alludes to naval service; the white represents the purity of selflessness. The Secretary of the Navy has only occasional opportunities to confirm that the Navy Cross has been awarded to a non-U.S. recipient. Slightly more than 100 such honors have been extended to men who were not citizens of the United States. Navy Cross The Navy Cross is the United States military's second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat. The Navy Cross is awarded primarily to
Combat Action Ribbon meet the criteria for the Combat Action Ribbon, Naval Aviators, Naval Flight Officers and enlisted Naval Aircrewman typically being recognized for combat via the Air Medal, although this award requires far more combat exposure over a prolonged period. The Navy Combat Action Ribbon was authorized on 17 February 1969. The Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon was authorized on 16 July 2008 and may be awarded to members of the Coast Guard in the grade of captain and below, "who have actively participated in ground or maritime combat." The Navy Combat Action Ribbon is retroactive to 7 December 1941 and the