  the battle efficiency ribbon, navy "e" ribbon, or (informally) the battle "e" ribbon was established in july 1976 by secretary of the navy j. william middendorf. the navy "e" ribbon denotes permanent duty on u.s. navy ships, squadrons, or units (including construction battalions) that have won a battle efficiency competition (battle "e") after july 1, 1974. this ribbon replaces the "e" patch previously sewn on the right sleeve of the enlisted naval uniform for pay grades e-1 through e-6. united states marine corps personnel assigned as ship's company are eligible; embarked personnel are not.secnavinst 1650.1h 2006 3-9 page 104 the navy "e" is one of the naval service awards that does not have a corresponding medal, meaning that when in full dress (when medals are worn), the navy "e" is placed above the right breast pocket of the uniform instead of the left. however, when in standard uniform (no medals are worn), the ribbon is placed above the left breast pocket, along with all other citations and awards.see uniform regulations, ch. 5, section 3, article 5312-1: manner of wearing; also article 5313-1: manner of wearing. the navy "e" ribbon was designed by az3 cynthia l. crider in 1973. it took 3 years to have her design and recommendation be approved by the secretary of the navy and the ribbon created by the department of the army, which have the final approval for the design and colors of all ribbons and medals. az3 crider was stationed at vaw-88, nas north island, ca. petty officer third class crider designed the ribbon after her squadron won the award for the second time in a row, but with the new uniform change would not be able to wear anything on their uniforms to show they had been awarded the navy 'e' two consecutive times, back in 1973. the "e" is also one of the few ribbons that is not an individua
Awards_and_decorations_of_the_United_States_Navy Awards_established_in_1976 Military_awards_and_decorations_of_the_United_States US_military_ribbon_symbolism