Navy Expert Pistol Medal M0072

Navy Expert Pistol Medal M0072. The Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal is the highest award that a Sailor can receive for a pistol qualification. The current qualifying pistol is the M9. The medal is only worn if the recipient has achieved 'expert' status with a qualified weapon. If they have achieved the expert status, the service ribbon is worn with a silver E device. A blank ribbon is worn if they have received the Marksman qualification and a bronze S device if they have the Sharpshooter qualification. First issued in 1969, normal qualification tests include shooting one-handed while kneeling and two-handed while standing. The medal features a target and a disk with the image of an eagle proceeding outward beyond the upper edge of the medallion. An inscription reads 'EXPERT PISTOL SHOT - UNITED STATES NAVY.' The ribbon is navy blue with a thin vertical green stripe in the center and one toward each edge.