The degree of heroism required is the same as that which would warrant award of the Silver Star to an individual.

The GUC will normally be earned by units that have participated in single or successive actions covering relatively brief time spans.

Only on rare occasions will a unit larger than a group qualify for the GUC.

Extended periods of combat duty or participation in a large number of operational missions, either air or ground, is not sufficient.

Additional awards of the Gallant Unit Citation are denoted by oak leaf clusters.