The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be
bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second
highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only
awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States
Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be
awarded to all branches of United States military as well as
members of foreign militaries. Authorized on February 4,
1919. Amended on 7 August 1942 to restrict this award to
acts of military heroism in combat against an armed enemy
of the U.S.
