The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal was adopted in 1961.  Awarded under similar circumstances to the NMCCOM, the NMCAM recognizes service of a lesser degree than that required for the NMCCOM.

a.Eligibility Requirements. Awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps, including members of Reserve
          components on active or inactive duty, of the grade of lieutenant com- mander/major and junior thereto, for service
          performed on or after I May 1961. The award shall be given for meritorious service or achievement in a combat or
          noncombat situation based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature, and shall be of
          such merit as to warrant more tangible recognition than is possible by a fitness report or evaluation sheet, but which does
          not warrant a Navy Commendation Medal or higher. The Navy Achievement Medal may also be awarded to members
          of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation consis- tent with the eligibility requirements specified in chapter 6.
             1.Professional achievement which merits the award must:
                  a.Clearly exceed that which is normally required or expected, considering the individual's grade or rate,
                    training, and experience; and
                  b.Be an important contribution of benefit to the United States and the naval service.
             2.Leadership Achievement which merits the award must:
                  a.Be noteworthy;
                  b.Be sustained so as to demonstrate a high state of development or, if for a specific achievement, be of such
                    merit as to earn singular recognition for the act(s); and
                  c.Reflect most creditably on the efforts of the individual toward the accomplishment of the unit mission.
        b.Limitations. The Navy Achievement Medal will not be awarded for service involving participation in aerial flight after I
          January 1969. The Air Medal is the more appropriate recognition for meritorious achievement while participating in
          aerial flight. This does not preclude the award of the Navy Achievement Medal to those who meet the eligibility
          requirement for service during which participation in aerial flight was incidental.
        c.Combat Distinguishing Device. The Combat Distinguishing Device may be authorized.

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