ACHIEVING GREATNESS: A CLOSER LOOK AT MARINE CORPS MEDALS
To be a Marine, one must be tough, persevere, and possess a no quit attitude. Marine Corps medals are a way of recognizing and rewarding a Marine for their sacrifices and accomplishments. However, it's probably unlikely that civilians have much knowledge about these awards and the process. If you are a recipient, or have a spouse/family member who has received the honor then your one step ahead. We're taking a quick look at some of the most common Marine Corps medals and are highlighting Sgt Amed Issa, the latest recipient of the honor. Suggested read: Lee Miller: Defiance and Resilience Through Photography
Breaking Down Marine Corps Medals
In the Marine Corps, there are many different awards for military members. Each award highlights their bravery and sacrifice. Additionally, they are specifically for the Navy and the Marine Corps. The awards include: the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Cross Medal, the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Below, we're taking a closer look at each of these Marine Corps medals and how they can be achieved.
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal awards meritorious service to the nation and government. With an origin in 1919, the award is for individuals who have taken on a role of "great responsibility." Usually the award is not given to enlisted personnel or those in higher senior enlisted positions. Past recipients of this award include: John Paxton, Joseph Dunford, Edmund Woolridge, Arnold Isbell, Lyman Thackrey, and Charles Hartman.
The Navy Cross Medal
Next, on our list of Marine Corps medals is the Navy Cross Medal. This is the second-highest award in the military for Sailors and Marines. To receive this one, you must demonstrate great heroism and sacrifice in combat. Additional accolades include 5/16 inch starts the affix to the ribbon of the medal. The highest number of stars awarded as of 2024 is five.
The Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal
The Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal is given to Navy and Marine Corps members who have meritorious achievement in a combat or noncombat situation. It is largely based on service of a longer duration and takes into account performance, achievements, and decision-making. To be eligible for the honor of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, one must have exceeded expectations in training, experience, or at a rapid pace. Additionally, they must fulfil significant leadership requirements. For example, one must be "noteworthy, be sustained so as to demonstrate a high state of development or, if for a specific achievement, be of such merit to earn singular recognition for the act." Lastly, they must make an individualized effort towards the overall accomplishment of the unit. Navy and Marine Corps achievement stars denote additional, significant actions.
The Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Last up on our list of Marine Corps medals is the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal. This is given to an individual who accomplishes the following three achievements: 1) Performed an act of heroism that is worthy of recognition but is not a combat-focused achievement. 2) Has accomplished an achievement that has a "definite contribution to the naval service, such as an invention, or improvement in design, procedure, or organization." 3) Lastly, the medal is for meritorious service. The criteria takes into consideration circumstances and the conditions of the remarkable act. It is not for the period of service, rather the action that was a demonstration of excellence.
Marine Corps Medals & Bravery From Sgt. Amed Issa
On January 6th, 2023 Marine Sgt. Amed Issa was sitting in a bar with friends in Honolulu when he heard gunshots. Assuming they were fireworks to celebrate the new year, he didn't pay much mind. That was until he saw two men outside with guns. Mustering up courage, Issa rushed towards them, saving the life of a man who had been shot close to 23 times. Amed Issa became a Marine at the age of 18 after turning down a full ride to Ohio State University. Before going off to college, Issa felt like it was his duty to serve. Issa served with the 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines and was stationed at the Marine Corps base in Hawaii. The night of the shooting, Issa jumped into action to save a life. When asked about that night and his heroic actions Issa explained, "I just felt like I was on the range. I don't know if it was one o f those blocks that I had from being in the Marine Corps Infantry, but at the time I didn't feel like there was any danger associated with shooting, but I did feel like there was danger for the victim." In that moment, Issa remembered the casualty care simulations he had done in training. Issa kept him alive until the paramedic appeared. Weeks after the shooting, Lt. Col. Felix Guerra II, Issa's former battalion leader, released a statement, "It takes tremendous courage to do what Sgt. Issa did. He risked his life and took action for a complete stranger. He embodied what it means to be a Marine." Issa's actions serve as a reminder as to why the Marine Corps medals exist. Additionally, he highlights the bravery, sacrifice, and courage of our nation's servicemen and women. Read next: Operation Just Cause: Coups, Drugs, and Equality for Women