Final answer:
The Navy Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism to Navy or Marine Corps personnel, not justifying the Medal of Honor. Guy Gabaldòn's award of the Navy Cross exemplifies valor recognition, while Frank Capra and Jimmy Stewart received other distinctions for their wartime contributions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medal awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, but not to the extent justifying the award of the Medal of Honor, is the Navy Cross. The Navy Cross is second only to the Medal of Honor and is awarded for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. The case of Guy Gabaldòn, who was later awarded the Navy Cross after his heroic actions during World War II, exemplifies such recognition of valor.
The remarkable record of service by Mexican Americans in World War II, including the awarding of numerous Congressional Medals of Honor, underscores the heroism of this group. Individuals like Frank Capra and Jimmy Stewart also received recognition for their contributions during the war, being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the French Croix de Guerre, respectively. Moreover, African American soldiers were acknowledged for their bravery with medals from the French government after World War I, and the 761st Tank Battalion, known as Patton's Panthers, received Presidential citations and the Medal of Honor decades after World War II.