Navy Cross
5
6.0
- noun
- /ˈneɪvi krɔs/
- Formal
:
Cruz de la Marina
- That I served my country faithfully and honorably in World War II and was awarded the Navy Cross for actions in defense of my country.
- awarded the Navy Cross
- won the Navy Cross
Examples
-
He has earned six naval commendations, the Purple Heart, and the Navy Cross for heroism and valor.
Fiction book (1997) -
For his service, he was posthumously presented the Navy Cross and Purple Heart as per the following citation:
Academic text (2007) -
Dorie Miller was the first black American to be awarded the Navy Cross.
-
Three Marine NCOs were decorated with the Medal of Honor; three more won the Navy Cross.
Academic text (1995) -
Marlantes was awarded the Navy Cross for the incident, the Navy's second highest award for valor (only the Medal of Honor ranks higher).
Academic text (2013) -
The Medal of Honor dangled on the front of Earl's dress blue tunic, suspended on its ribbon next to the ribbons of war displayed across his left breast: five Battle Stars, his Navy Cross, his Unit Citations, and his Good Conduct Medal.
Fiction book (2001) -
He was awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery during the battle.
-
Dorie Miller received the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism in World War II.
-
My uncle earned the Navy Cross for his heroic actions while serving in combat.
Synonyms
2
6.8
A high military medal given to United States Army soldiers for very brave actions in battle
1
5.7
An American military medal given for brave actions in battle
1
6.3
A United States military medal given for bravery or very good service in battle, not involving flying
Surface Forms
Morphology
A learner who knows 'navy' and 'cross' can infer this refers to something associated with the navy and likely cross-shaped or symbolic, so there is some compositional clue. However, the specific meaning — a formal U.S. military decoration awarded for extraordinary heroism — is specialized and culturally specific and cannot be fully predicted from the constituents alone.
Etymology
The noun Navy Cross comes from a medal given by the United States Navy that is shaped like a cross and is awarded to sailors for great bravery in battle. So, the name now means 'a very high award for great bravery in action'.