The Navy Presidential Unit Citation was instituted in 1942. Awarded to Navy/Marine Corps units for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy.


Authorization. E.O. 10694, 10 January 1957. 
Eligibility Requirements. Awarded in the name of the President of the United States to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. The unit must have displayed such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions to have set it apart and above other units participating in the same campaign. The degree of heroism required is the same as that which would be required for award of a Navy Cross to an individual. 
Military personnel 
All personnel permanently assigned or attached to the cited unit who were actually present and participated in the action or actions for which the unit was cited are authorized to wear the ribbon permanently. 
Transient, active duty for training and temporary duty personnel assigned to the cited unit are normally not eligible. Exceptions may be made for individuals because of an outstanding need for the skills possessed which were not adequately available within the unit. Such personnel will be authorized participation by CNO/CMC as appropriate upon receipt of a certification from the cited unit's commanding officer that the individual made a direct, recognizable contribution to the performance of the services which qualified the unit for the award. 
Civilian personnel, when specifically authorized by SECNAV, may wear the designated lapel device. Naval reservists who receive unit awards as civilians, are not eligible to wear ribbon bars on their naval uniforms.