History

The Navy Marksmanship Badge was established circa 1904 and predates the Navy Expert Rifleman and Expert Pistol Shot Medals. The Bronze Medal was awarded to Officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy and Marine Corps to promote efficiency in pistol and rifle marksmanship in the Navy and Marine Corps. It is believed that the award of the Medal was discontinued in 1914.

The Medal was issued with a top bar inscribed with the word "SHARPSHOOTER" on the obverse. A bronze requalification clasp was also issued with the Medal. The requalification clasp features 3 bronze slugs which are removed and replaced by oval silver slugs bearing the year of qualification. Additionally, bronze clasps inscribed "EXPERT" and with the year of qualification were authorized for wear with the Medal to denote qualifications as a marksmanship expert; and bronze clasps inscribed "EXPERT PISTOL SHOT" were authorized for recipients of the Medal who did not receive a marksmanship badge. The Expert and Expert Pistol Shot clasps were inscribed with the recipient's name on the reverse. The clasps were suspended above the pendant by chain link.

The Medal features an engraving of the recipient's name, service, and rank on the reverse.

There may be additional versions of the Medal.