The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism by the United States Department of the Navy to members of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The medal was established by an act of Congress on 7 August 1942, and is authorized under 10 U.S.C. § 6246. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the equivalent of the Army's Soldier's Medal, Air Force Airman's Medal, and the Coast Guard Medal.