Medal of Merit of the Navy

The Navy Medal of Merit (Medaglia al merito di Marina) is a decoration established by the Italian Republic in 1997 to reward activities and studies aimed at the development and progress of the Italian Navy, as well as individual meritorious actions characterised by outstanding skill, which brought honour and prestige to the Italian maritime service.

This medal replaced the Naval Medal of Merit, established in 1938; the medals of merit awarded up to 11 November 1997 were converted into Navy Medals of Merit, and the recipients were authorised to wear the corresponding insignia (medal and ribbon).

Under Legislative Decree No. 66 of 15 March 2010, the legislation establishing it in 1997 was repealed (Article 2268) and the award was re-established (Article 1436), with minor changes.