"Cited unit" is the overall organization submitted for a unit award. A cited unit can be a single ship or command, or it can be comprised of many "participating" units. For example, a battle group contains many ships, squadrons and other units. If an individual command shows as having received a unit award, with a different organization (such as a battle group) listed under "Cited Unit", it was part of that larger organization that received a unit award.

If the recommended award column (Recmd Award) contains a dashed line, the award entry was likely made prior to March 2004, when the new awards database (NDAWS) was put on line. In these cases, we will not be able to identify the Recommended Award level.

If approved award block (Appr Award) is blank, award is still in process and has not had the final adjudication entered into the database.

Unit awards go through a rigorous approval process, and it is possible that the approved award level (Appr Award) may be different from the recommended award level (Recmd Award). The approved award level is the final adjudication of that award.

AE=Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal 
CR=Combat Action Ribbon
NU=Navy Unit Commendation
RG=Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation-Gallantry 
VS=Vietnam Service Medal