The Hattendorf Prize for Distinguished Original Research in Maritime History is awarded by the United States Naval War College for distinguished academic achievement in publishing original research that contributes to a deeper historical understanding of the broad context and interrelationships involved in the roles, contributions, limitations, and uses of the sea services in history.

The Prize Laureate is expected to deliver a lecture at the United States Naval War College on the occasion of the award.

[2] The Hattendorf Prize Medal was designed by Anna Maria Hattendorf (AB, magna cum laude with high honors, Hobart and William Smith Colleges (2002); MFA, Savannah College of Art and Design).

This building is part of the National Historic Landmark site and this image connects the medal to the long tradition of historical research and scholarship at the Naval War College that goes back to the days of College founder Rear Admiral Stephen B. Luce and his successor, Alfred Thayer Mahan.

The stylized image of the cupola suggests the new results that come from original historical research, while the rectangular shape is reminiscent of a book-plate.