Naval Deployments lasting a year or more…

New Patch. New Warrior’s Medal.

THE ANCIENT & HONORABLE ORDER OF THE HARPOON

“Ex Mari, Inicta” (Out of the Sea, Unconquered)

1. THE MORALE PATCH SPECIFICATION

Designed for wear on flight jackets, cruise vests, surface warfare jackets, and uniform utility velcro panels during extended operations.

  • Shape & Border: Heavy-bordered shield with raised gold bullion threading.
  • Central Iconography: A massive, barbed whaler’s harpoon wrapped in burning orange and crimson flames, bursting out from stormy ocean waves. In the background, the bow silhouette of a warship cuts through rough seas under a dark combat sky.
  • Inscriptions:
    • Top Banner: ORDER OF THE HARPOON
    • Bottom Banner: 365+ DAYS UNDERWAY • WARRIOR OF THE DEEP
  • Symbolism:
    • The Flaming Harpoon: Represents relentless offensive firepower, raw strength, and unyielding will forged through fire and sea.
    • The Barb & Rope: Symbolizes unbreakable ties to the ship and brothers-in-arms through extreme hardship.
    • Dark Waves: The grueling passage of a full year—365 continuous days and nights—battling the sea and the enemy.

2. THE NAVAL WARRIOR’S MEDAL CITATION & DESCRIPTION

Official Designation:

The Naval Warrior’s Harpoon Medal (NWHM)

Awarded to Sailors and Marines who complete a continuous deployment or operational sea tour exceeding 365 days under wartime or high-threat conditions.

Medal Design Details:

  • Obverse (Front): A bronze-sculpted relief of a muscular Sailor standing at the bow of a warship, hurling a blazing harpoon into stormy seas. Flanking the Sailor are twin trident points and the inscription “365 DAYS UNBROKEN”.
  • Reverse (Back): A traditional Navy anchor crossed with a combat harpoon, encircled by the words “HONOR • ENDURANCE • VALOR”, leaving space at the center for the Sailor’s name and ship’s hull number to be engraved.
  • Ribbon Streamer:
    • Deep Navy Blue (Edges): Represents the endless abyssal ocean.
    • Fiery Crimson Red (Center): Symbolizes war, sacrifice, and the fire within.
    • Gold Stripes (Dividing): Represents 365 days of honorable service at sea.

Official Citation Template:

FOR EXCELLENCE IN EXTRAORDINARY MARITIME ENDURANCE AND WARRIOR SPIRIT

By virtue of enduring over 365 continuous days at sea in defense of the realm and in open defiance of both nature and the enemy, [Sailor’s Name] is hereby inducted into the Order of the Harpoon.

Through endless watchstanding, relentless combat readiness, and unwavering fortitude aboard [Ship/Unit Name], [Sailor’s Name] demonstrated the fierce tenacity of a true warrior of the deep. Like the harpoon struck true in the fury of the gale, your strength remained sharp, tempered in the fires of long deployment.

Given under my hand this day, in international waters.

COMMANDING OFFICER / MASTER CHIEF OF THE FLEET