A 3⁄16 inch silver star was issued to any service member of the Navy and Marine Corps who had been cited and commended by the Secretary of the Navy for performance of duty.

Among the recipients of the Commendation Star was future Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.

The Navy Commendation Star was placed on the suspension and service ribbon of the World War I Victory Medal, above all battle clasps.

The Navy Commendation Star was identical to the United States Army Citation Star which also was a 3⁄16 inch silver star worn on the World War I Victory Medal to denote a soldier (or a marine or Navy corpsman attached to the Second Division), was cited for gallantry in action and awarded a citation.

At the start of the Second World War, the Navy Commendation Star was declared obsolete and none were issued between 1941 and 1945.