Navy and U.S. Marine Corps commands may recommend any Navy or Marine Corps unit for the NUC that has distinguished itself by outstanding heroism in action against the enemy, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation.

Normal performance of duty or participation in many combat missions does not, in itself, justify the award.

[2] U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and U.S Coast Guard units are also eligible to be awarded the NUC as long as they are directly attached or assigned to U.S. Navy or Marine Corps units during the time period or event for which the award is given.

The NUC may be conferred upon the armed forces of friendly foreign nations serving with the U.S. Armed Forces, provided such units meet the standards established for Navy and Marine Corps units.

[2] Additional awards of the Navy Unit Commendation are denoted by 3⁄16 inch bronze stars.