Thanks. Do you know if that was the case during the Vietnam War?
I served in Vietnam as a naval officer. I am fairly certain that was the case. Since the SECNAV has that authority now, I would assume the SECNAV would have more of a reason to have it during the Vietnam war. It is a service specific award, i.e., the NAVY Cross. One would think that the SECNAV has the authority to award it.