Academy Achievement Ribbon for Meritorious Service
As a personal decoration, it is the Academy’s highest award for service. Yet, in precedence, it factors below that of the Academy Commendation ribbon. It is awarded to Midshipmen officers for exemplary leadership skills – such as performance and execution of duties during Indoctrination – or for extreme sacrifice and dedication to others. In regard to latter, members of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Emergency Medical Service and others involved in triage and care of victims of the 9/11 attack in lower Manhattan in 2001 earned the award.
The actions of one Midshipman involved in supporting 9/11 victims – Matthew Walden Freeman – gained the recognition of U.S. Congress in the wake of his untimely death in 2005 – two weeks before his graduation.
In 2017 the name of the award was shortened to “Academy Achievement Ribbon.”
Awarded by the Commandant to Midshipmen who demonstrate outstanding personal achievement in the areas of professional development or military/maritime training. This includes actions directly beneficial to the Academy or the Regiment of Midshipmen. Any member of the Regiment or Academy staff can nominate an individual for this award by submitting a written recommendation form to the Regimental Evaluation Officer (REO). This is the highest personal award that can be awarded to a Midshipman by the Academy. (Aqua stripe worn inboard) Subsequent awards shall be indicated by 5/16 inch gold and silver stars. (USMMA MIDSHIPMAN UNIFORM REGULATIONS, 11 August 2017)
The ribbon design is the same as a Merchant Marine Combat Bar ribbon, only rotated 180 degrees. Curiously, this ribbon’s stock is neither maintained at either the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy nor is available from any military or school ribbon supplier.