In the US military patches, medals and awards are selected for each area of military service such as army, navy, air force, coast guard, separately. Each sector of the military has their own kind of military patches, chevrons, ribbons, etc. The navy is the section of the military that regulates sea warfare and defense. Navy medals are rewarded in appreciation of special feats such as the metal emblem for meritorious service of naval personnel. The Medal of Honor for the navy was first introduced in 1862. The concept of medals had evolved from the practice of bestowing insignias in the knight hood.

Navy medals are a way for personnel to express their bravery and commitment to risk their life for the nation, and they should be worn with pride. Navy medals are generally made from precious metals such as gold, silver, bronze, or lead. Navy medals are attached to ribbons which can be pinned to a uniform or worn around the neck. Shields or hangers are used to connect Navy medals with the ribbons. Navy medals are beautifully decorated and can be overlaid with particular symbols of the country such as an eagle. Navy medal ribbons represent the characteristic colors of the country. In the past, the reverse part of Navy medals was encrypted with the name of the recipient to avoid loss or theft.

Navy medals are divided into different categories depending on the relevance of the committed action. The supreme Navy medals are given for deeds which have contributed to the victories or successes of missions. Sincere service of navy members is rewarded with unit medals and service medals. Navy medals include Navy Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy & Marine Corps Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and many more.

Navy medals are presented in official ceremonies and are worn over the left pocket of the uniform on official occasions. The recipient of more than one Navy medal has to wear them according to the order of precedence of the Navy medals. The misuse of a Navy medal is strictly regulated with the law, but models of the medals can be purchased from the market.