The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy—with the approval of the President—to any ship, aircraft, detachment or other US Navy or Marine Corps unit which, subsequent to December 6, 1941, distinguished itself by outstanding heroism in action against the enemy, but not sufficient to warrant award of the
Presidential Unit Citation. It may also be awarded for extremely meritorious service not involving combat but in support of military operations that were outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. It was established on 18 December 1944.*
Nineteen Fletcher-class destroyers received twenty Navy Unit Commendations for service in World War Two. Click on the links below to view the text of each citation:
