History

The United States Naval Academy Short Range Battle Practice Medal, also known as the "Excellence with Great Guns Medal" or the "Great Gun Medal" was authorized by the Secretary of the Navy on January 11, 1934. The Bronze Medal was awarded to junior Officers in recognition of achievement from the naval academy who had been members of gun turrets who had been awarded with the Navy expert "E" emblem in the annual competition, but who were unauthorized to wear the "E" device. Approximately between 500 and 600 Medals were awarded until the award was discontinued in 1944.

The Medal was only authorized for wear when the recipient was attending the naval academy.

The first 12 issues of the Medal are stamped with a serial number on the reverse. Later issues of the Medal feature a maker's mark in place of the serial number.