The Navy Cross is the highest award for valor in combat that can be bestowed by the United States Department of the Navy, and so is typically held by members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, or U.S. Coast Guard (while operating under the Department of the Navy, as for instance during World War II).
Among U.S. military decorations, the Navy Cross follows only the Medal of Honor in precedence, although it has equivalents connected to the country's other armed forces.
