Meritorious Service Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)

These devices were added in March 2017

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

These devices are included in DoD Inst 1348.33 series. Check your specific service regulations.

Example of ribbon placement (IF only "R", "C", or "V" is authorized - it is centered)

Description:

1. Authorized by Executive Order 11448, as amended Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat meritorious achievement or service to the United States. Normally, the acts or services rendered must be comparable to that required for the Legion of Merit, but in a duty of lesser though considerable responsibility.
2. As of March 2017
   The MSM for specific achievement may be awarded with the “R” device to distinguish that the award was earned for the direct hands-on employment of a weapon system or other warfighting activities that had a direct and immediate impact on a combat operation or other military operation (i.e., outcome of an engagement or specific effects on a target), including Title 10, U.S.C., support of non-Title 10 operations, and operations authorized by an approved execute order. To be designated as such, the action must have been performed through any domain, in circumstances that did not expose the individual to hostile action;, or place him or her at significant risk of exposure to hostile action on or after January 7, 2016, under one of the following conditions:
   (a) While engaged in military operations against an enemy of the United States,
   (b) While engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force; or
   (c) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

Background:

1. At Tri-Department Awards Conference, 5-6 February 1968, there was a discussion on the need for a third meritorious award to provide appropriate recognition for noncombat achievement or service comparable to the Bronze Star Medal for combat achievement or service. It was felt that the Legion of Merit’s prestige was slipping because it was being used with increasing frequency to reward service below Legion of Merit standard, but higher than that required for the Commendation Medal.

2. A proposed executive order was prepared in April 1968 and forwarded for approval to the Military Departments. An ad hoc committee was formed by the Secretary of Defense (M∓RA) to select a name. On 8 November 1968, the committee unanimously approved the name “Meritorious Service Medal”. President Johnson established the Meritorious Service Medal per Executive Order No. 11448 dated 16 January 1969. The Executive Order was amended by President Reagan per Executive Order 12312, dated 2 July 1981, to authorize award to members of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations.

3. The decoration was designed by Mr. Jay Morris, The Institute of Heraldry, and the design was approved by the committee on 20 March 1969. The ribbon design purposely follows the colors used for the Legion of Merit to reflect the parallel between the two medals. The eagle, symbol of the nation, stands on laurel branches denoting achievement. The star is used to represent the military service and the rays emanating therefrom denote the constant efforts of individuals to achieve through excellent and meritorious service.