Admiral of the Navy George Dewey Award


The Admiral of the Navy George Dewey Award is an annual award of the Naval Order of the United States to honor a U.S. citizen eligible for regular membership in the Naval Order, who, while acting in a civilian capacity in a senior Federal government position, has established a record of exemplary service that sets that individual apart from his or her peers.

History

In 2001, former Commander General of the Naval Order of the United States Rear Admiral William F. Merlin, USCG, proposed the establishment of a new award for the Naval Order to honor a civilian Federal government official for "unique achievements by that individual based on exceptional insight, persistent effort and firm determination to continually advance the paramount interests of the United States and its Sea Services. The award is a 12-inch by 15-inch plaque bearing the Seal of the Naval Order in the center, flanked by the obverse and reverse of the large Naval Order Cross. The award is named in honor of Admiral of the Navy George Dewey, who served as Commander General of the Naval order from 1907 to 1917. Presentation is made at a formal ceremony, preferably the annual Naval Order annual congress. It was first awarded in 2002 to former President George H. W. Bush.

Recipients