Navy Presidential Unit Citation Criteria

The Navy Presidential Unit Citation was instituted in 1942. Awarded to Navy/Marine Corps units for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy.

Authorization. E.O. 10694, 10 January 1957. 
Eligibility Requirements. Awarded in the name of the President of the United States to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. The unit must have displayed such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions to have set it apart and above other units participating in the same campaign.

The degree of heroism required is the same as that which would be required for award of a Navy Cross to an individual. 
 
All personnel permanently assigned or attached to the cited units who were actually present and participated in the action or actions for which the unit was cited are authorized to wear the ribbon permanently.