Receiving an Award (Ceremony, Citation, Certificate)

Start Here If You Are New to Award Ceremonies

Your XO catches you in the hallway and tells you your end-of-tour award is approved. The S-1 is coordinating the ceremony for two weeks out. The XO mentions you should invite family. You wonder what to wear, where to stand, what to do with your hands during the citation reading, who handles the certificate, and what happens after.

Award ceremonies look formal but most of the structure is set by the unit and the presenting officer. Your job is to show up in the right uniform, take the award correctly, and verify the post-ceremony records flow. This page walks you through receiving an award from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The presenter rank rule and why it matters
• The required uniform for different award levels
• The exact sequence of the ceremony (citation, medal, certificate, photo)
• Family and guest invitations
• The hard rules on PMD and Purple Heart presentations
• Posthumous handling through the Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO)
• What to do with your citation and certificate after the ceremony
• The 30-day verification window for OMPF and MCTFS

Every fact on this page comes from SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 paragraph 1.2.d, MCO 1650.19JMCO 1650.19J w/ CH 1, MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25, MCO 3040.4MCO 3040.4 (for posthumous), Marine Corps Uniform Regulations, and current MMPB-3 Military Awards Section guidance.

The Presenter Rank Rule

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 paragraph 1.2.d, "All PMDs and the PH must be officially presented to the awardee (or next of kin if the awardee is deceased) in a dignified ceremony by a commissioned officer or DON official of rank appropriate to the level of award." The presenting official must be senior to the awardee in grade or position.

Translation. The presenter sits above you in rank or position. A NAM presented to a Sergeant requires presentation by a senior commissioned officer (typically the company commander, battalion XO, or battalion CO). A Bronze Star Medal presented to a Captain requires a presenter at O-6 or above, typically the regimental commander or higher. Higher awards have higher presenter requirements.

The unit S-1 coordinates the presenter selection. Marines who PCS before the ceremony often have the gaining unit's senior commander handle the presentation, even though the gaining unit did not witness the qualifying service.

The Required Uniform

Per Marine Corps Uniform Regulations and the unit's local guidance, the uniform varies by ceremony format.

Standard Service Uniform Ceremony

The default for most NAMs, NCs, and unit-level awards.

• Service A (winter) or Service B (summer) for most ceremonies
• Awards rack worn correctly (existing awards in proper precedence and position)
• Cover (cap) for outdoor ceremonies, in hand for indoor
• Trousers pressed, shoes shined, gig line straight

Blue Dress Uniform Ceremony

For higher awards, retirement awards, and ceremonies tied to formal events.

• Blue Dress A (with medals) for major ceremonies
• Blue Dress B (with ribbons) for less formal contexts
• Sword for officers (per the unit's local convention)

Combat Uniform Ceremony

For valor awards presented forward, in theater, or for ceremonies tied to a recently completed operation.

• MARPAT field uniform
• Awards typically pinned to chest pocket flap or held during the ceremony
• Photographs reflect the operational environment

The S-1 coordinates uniform requirements ahead of the ceremony. Confirm with your senior enlisted leader 48 hours out.

The Ceremony Sequence

A standard presentation runs the same five steps regardless of award level. The cadence and formality scale up for higher awards.

Step 1. Marine Marches Forward and Renders Salute

The S-1 or a designated assistant calls the Marine forward. The Marine marches to a designated spot in front of the presenter, halts, and renders the appropriate salute (covered or uncovered per the indoor/outdoor convention).

Step 2. Citation Read Aloud

A designated reader (often the unit S-1, the senior enlisted leader, or another officer) reads the citation aloud. The citation describes the award, the qualifying period or act, and the language approved with the citation.

The Marine stands at attention, eyes forward, hands at sides. No verbal acknowledgment during the reading.

Step 3. Medal Pinned (Or Ribbon Indicated)

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 paragraph 1.2.d, the presenter pins the medal on the Marine's awards rack or designated chest position. For ribbon-only ceremonies (most NAMs and lower awards in lower-formality settings), the presenter indicates the ribbon position.

The Marine remains at attention.

Step 4. Certificate Handed Over

The presenter hands the framed or sleeved certificate to the Marine. The Marine takes the certificate with the right hand, holding it at chest level.

Step 5. Salute Exchange and Withdrawal

The presenter and Marine exchange salutes. The Marine takes one step back, executes an about-face, and marches to the designated position. For ceremonies with photographs, the Marine and presenter pose briefly before the Marine departs.

Family and Guest Invitations

Per common Marine Corps practice (not codified in SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 but widely observed).

When to Invite Family

• For awards above NAM (NC and higher), inviting immediate family is the norm
• For Purple Heart presentations, family invitation is strongly encouraged
• For retirement awards, family attendance is essentially expected
• For deployed-environment ceremonies, family attendance is often impractical and the ceremony is repeated at the home unit when feasible

Coordinating the Invitation

The S-1 typically handles the formal invitation logistics. The Marine.

• Provides the S-1 with family contact information
• Communicates the date and time
• Coordinates housing or local logistics if family is traveling
• Indicates any special requests (specific photographs, recording arrangements, etc.)

Photographs

Most ceremonies produce a unit-photographer or S-1-photographer set of images.

• Pin-on photo
• Salute exchange photo
• Certificate hand-off photo
• Group photo with family if attending
• Group photo with the chain of command

The Marine should request the digital files from the S-1 within 30 days of the ceremony. The files are typically distributed via email, shared drive, or unit Photogallery.

Hard Rules on PMD and Purple Heart Presentations

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 paragraph 1.2.d, two specific rules apply to PMDs and Purple Hearts.

The Presentation Is Mandatory

The PMD or Purple Heart "must be officially presented." This is not optional. A Marine receiving a PMD has a right to a formal presentation by a qualified presenter. The certificate cannot simply arrive in the mail without ceremony for these awards.

The Presenter's Rank Is Specifically Defined

The presenter "must be senior in grade or position." The presenter cannot be a peer or junior officer. For a Marine receiving a Bronze Star Medal, the presenter must hold a grade or position senior to the Marine's grade. The S-1 confirms presenter selection meets the rank rule before the ceremony.

The Marine Has a Right to Decline a Particular Format

A Marine is allowed to request a low-key ceremony, decline family invitations, or ask for a private presentation. The unit coordinates with the Marine on format. The award itself is not declinable (per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 paragraph 1.2.f, only the approving authority is allowed to revoke an award), but the format around the presentation is flexible.

Posthumous Awards Through CACO

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 paragraph 1.2.d and MCO 3040.4MCO 3040.4, posthumous awards are presented to the next of kin through the Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO).

CACO Coordination

The CACO coordinates with the family on.

• Family preference on ceremony format (formal, private, graveside, or none)
• Date and location of presentation (often graveside or at the family residence)
• Presence of unit representatives if requested
• Coordination with the Casualty Assistance Calls Program per MCO 3040.4MCO 3040.4

Family Preference Drives the Format

Per MCO 3040.4MCO 3040.4, the family's preferences drive the format. The CACO does not impose a ceremony on a family that prefers a private handover. Some families request a formal ceremony with full unit representation. Some prefer a quiet certificate delivery without ceremony. Both are acceptable.

Presenting Authority

The presenting authority for a posthumous award follows the same rank rules as a living-recipient ceremony. The presenter is typically a senior officer from the deceased Marine's last unit, though local CACO coordination sometimes assigns a different presenter based on geography and family preference.

Letter of Appreciation (LOA)

The Letter of Appreciation is a recognition tool below the formal awards system. It is not a Personal Military Decoration. It does not produce a ribbon, a medal, or an MCTFS code. It is a written recognition issued at the senior officer's discretion that goes into the Marine's OMPF.

Authorization to Issue

Per MCO 1650.19JMCO 1650.19J paragraph 8.h Enclosure (2) as amended by MARADMIN 104/06MARADMIN 104/06 paragraph 5, any officer senior to a Marine whose performance is considered noteworthy or commendable beyond the usual requirements of duty is allowed to issue a Letter of Appreciation.

The senior officer's level matters less than the senior-to-the-Marine relationship. A senior officer in a different command, a visiting general officer, or a senior staff officer is all allowed to issue a LOA when the Marine's performance warrants the recognition.

What the LOA Looks Like

A Letter of Appreciation typically.

• Is on official letterhead of the issuing officer's command
• Names the Marine, rank, and unit
• Describes the noteworthy performance with specific dates and circumstances
• Closes with a statement of appreciation
• Is signed by the issuing officer

There is no required template. The format follows the issuing officer's command convention.

Routing to the OMPF

Per MARADMIN 104/06MARADMIN 104/06 paragraph 5, a copy of the Letter of Appreciation is forwarded to HQMC MMPB-3 for inclusion in the Marine's OMPF. The historical address per MARADMIN 104/06MARADMIN 104/06 was HQMC MMSB at 2008 Elliot Road, Quantico, VA 22134. The function continues today under MMPB-3.

The Marine retains the original signed LOA. The copy goes through the Marine's S-1 to MMPB-3 channels for OMPF posting.

LOA Versus Higher Recognition

The LOA fits below the threshold of a NAM. A Marine whose performance warrants a NAM should be written up for the NAM, not given a LOA in lieu. The LOA is for noteworthy performance below the formal-award threshold.

The LOA does feed promotion records and fitness reports indirectly. The OMPF inclusion gives the Marine a permanent record of the recognition that promotion boards and selection panels see.

What to Do With Your Citation and Certificate

The certificate and citation are your permanent record copies. The originals also feed your OMPF, but the personal copies matter for future reference.

Store the Originals Securely

• Frame the certificate or store flat in an archival-quality folder
• Keep the citation in a fireproof safe alongside other vital records
• Take a high-resolution scan and store the digital copy in multiple locations (cloud, external drive, secured email account)

Provide Copies as Needed

• VA disability claims tied to the recognized service
• Civilian employment applications listing military awards
• Federal hiring preference documentation (SF-15)
• Reunion ceremonies and historical society documentation

Request Replacements If Lost

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Chapter 8 paragraph 8.2.a, Section 1135 of Title 10 requires the Secretary concerned to replace on a one-time basis any military medal or ribbon issued to members of the Armed Forces upon request of the veteran, or in the case of a deceased veteran, the immediate next-of-kin.

Replacement requests for Marine Corps awards route through MMPB-31 per MARADMIN 093/25MARADMIN 093/25 paragraph 10.k. The administrative correction templates are available at the Manpower Marines website.

The 30-Day Verification Window

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 paragraph 1.2.d.(6) and MCO 1650.19JMCO 1650.19J w/ CH 1, after the ceremony, the award has to land in your records.

Step 1. Pull Your OMPF

Use the Online Records Management Application (O-RMA) within 30 days of the ceremony. Look for.

• The signed citation
• The certificate copy
• The Page 11 entry documenting the award

Step 2. Pull Your Master Brief Sheet (MBS)

Through Marine Online (MOL). Verify.

• The award entry with correct date and code
• Star, oak leaf cluster, or device indicators (for subsequent awards or valor/combat devices)

Step 3. If Anything Is Missing

Coordinate with your S-1. The S-1 routes the correction request to the reporting unit, which runs the Unit Diary transaction that pushes data into MCTFS. For citation typos, certificate corrections, or missing entries, the S-1 routes through the standard administrative correction procedure in MCO 1650.19JMCO 1650.19J w/ CH 1.

For older issues outside the standard correction window, the procedures in SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Chapter 8 cover beyond-time-limit corrections.

Common Questions Marines Ask

I PCS'd before my end-of-tour award was presented. What happens?

Per MARADMIN 093/25MARADMIN 093/25, the gaining unit handles the presentation when the certificate arrives at the new duty station. The presenter at the gaining unit is senior to you in grade or position per the standard rule. Coordinate with your gaining S-1 to schedule.

I declined a formal ceremony for my NAM and asked for a private handover. Is that allowed?

Yes for a NAM. The format around the presentation is flexible per common practice, though the award itself is not declinable. For a PMD (NAM and above is technically a PMD), the formal presentation is required per paragraph 1.2.d, but the format (private versus public) is at the Marine's request and the unit's accommodation.

My ceremony was in Service A but I will wear the medal at Blue Dress events. What do I do?

Verify the award entry on your MBS. The award is permanent. The medal mounting is a uniform-wear question covered on the Wearing Your Awards page. You wear the medal at Blue Dress with the rest of your large medals (Blue Dress A) or the ribbon at Blue Dress B.

The certificate has my name misspelled. What do I do?

Coordinate with your S-1 to request a corrected certificate. The S-1 routes the request through MMPB-31 per MARADMIN 093/25MARADMIN 093/25 paragraph 10.k. The administrative correction templates produce a replacement certificate. The original incorrect certificate stays in your OMPF as a record of the original issue with the corrected version superseding.

I lost my Purple Heart medal set in a fire. How do I replace it?

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Chapter 8 paragraph 8.2.a and Section 1135 of Title 10, the Secretary of the Navy replaces a lost medal or ribbon on a one-time basis upon request. Submit the request through your S-1 to MMPB-31 with documentation of the loss. The replacement medal set arrives within 60 to 90 days.

I never had a formal presentation for my MOVSM. The certificate arrived in the mail. Is that allowed?

Per SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 Appendix 4A Tab 18 paragraph e, the MOVSM consists of a ribbon and medal set with no citation or certificate issued by default (a letter in lieu of citation is allowed). The presentation requirement under paragraph 1.2.d applies specifically to PMDs and the Purple Heart, not to CE&S awards like the MOVSM. A no-ceremony handover is allowed for the MOVSM.

I want to record video of my ceremony. Is that authorized?

Yes for unit-level ceremonies in most contexts. Coordinate with the S-1 ahead of the ceremony to confirm. For ceremonies in classified environments or with senior officials present, photography and video are sometimes restricted. The S-1 confirms.

I am an O-5 commander. Am I authorized to present a NAM I approved to one of my Marines?

Yes. Per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25 paragraph 3.a.4.a, an O-5 commander has NAM approval authority. The same O-5 is allowed to present the award. The presenter rank rule under paragraph 1.2.d is satisfied because the O-5 is senior in grade and position to the awardee.

Where to Go for Help

A Note on HQMC Awards Office Designations

The Marine Corps reorganized its awards office over time. Three designations show up in policies tied to award presentations and certificates. Get the distinction right so you route requests correctly.

• HQMC Manpower Performance Branch, Military Awards Section (MMPB-3). The current umbrella office handling Marine Corps awards adjudication, policy interpretation, and CMC-level approval routing. Listed on the Manpower Marines website at https://www.manpower.marines.mil/Divisions/Manpower-Management/Performance-Branch/Military-Awards/.
• HQMC MMPB-31. A sub-element under MMPB-3 specifically handling administrative actions on awards. This includes administrative change requests, replacement certificate procedures, and the administrative correction templates referenced in MARADMIN 093/25MARADMIN 093/25 paragraph 10.k. MMPB-31 owns certificate corrections and replacement medal sets. MMPB-31 is NOT the same as MMMA. The two have different functions.
• CMC (MMMA), Military Awards Branch. The historical designation appearing in older policy documents (SECNAV M-1650.1SECNAV M-1650.1 paragraph 1.3, MCO 1650.19JMCO 1650.19J, and earlier MARADMINs). When you see MMMA in those documents, the function continues today under MMPB-3.

For current Marine Corps award presentation questions, contact MMPB-3.

• Email. smb_hqmc_pers_awards@usmc.mil
• Phone. 703-784-9342
• Website. https://www.manpower.marines.mil/Divisions/Manpower-Management/Performance-Branch/Military-Awards/

For certificate corrections and replacement medals, route through MMPB-31 channels per MARADMIN 093/25MARADMIN 093/25 paragraph 10.k.

Routing by Issue

• Active duty Marines preparing for an upcoming award ceremony. Your S-1 owns logistics, presenter selection, and family coordination.
• Posthumous award presentation. Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) per MCO 3040.4MCO 3040.4.
• Certificate corrections (typos, name spelling, citation errors). MMPB-31 via your S-1 using the MARADMIN 093/25MARADMIN 093/25 paragraph 10.k template.
• Lost or damaged medal set replacement. MMPB-31 via your S-1, citing Section 1135 of Title 10.
• Photograph requests from the ceremony. Your unit S-1 photo manager.
• Family travel reimbursement (where authorized for the ceremony). The unit administrative officer in coordination with the S-4.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Awards Overview lays out the three categories of awards and the routing flow.
• Wearing Your Awards covers ribbon precedence, oak leaf cluster placement, and devices.
• Verifying Your Awards in OMPF walks through the verification steps in detail.
• PCS and Awards Timing covers timing rules around career moves where ceremonies fall in awkward windows.
• Retirement Awards and DD-214 covers the parallel timing and ceremony rules for retirement awards.

Related Roles

• Leaders coordinate ceremony logistics, brief Marines on uniform standards, and ensure the citation reading reflects the approved language.
• Admin at S-1 manages the certificate, photograph distribution, family invitation logistics, and post-ceremony OMPF posting.
• Commanders present awards within their delegated authority per MARADMIN 077/25MARADMIN 077/25, observe the presenter rank rule, and ensure the ceremony reflects the dignity required by paragraph 1.2.d.

The ceremony is short. The award is permanent. Your job is to show up correctly, take the recognition with discipline, and verify the records flow afterward.