Final answer:
The Secretary of the Navy retains the authority to approve any Department of the Navy (DON) military awards to a civilian.
Step-by-step explanation:
The authority to approve any Department of the Navy (DON) military awards to a civilian is retained by the Secretary of the Navy. Even though the President is the Commander in Chief of the Navy, the power to approve these awards is delegated to the Secretary of the Navy, who is a civilian appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The President can require the opinion of the Secretary of the Navy, but the final approval authority lies with the Secretary.