Legion of Merit
Military Medal & Military Ribbon

a. Authorization. 10 U.S.C.

b. Legion of Merit Medal Eligibility Requirements. Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding service. To justify the Legion of Merit Medal decoration, the service rendered must have been comparable to that required for the Distinguished Service Medal, but in a duty of lesser, though considerable, responsibility. In general, the Legion of Merit medal will be awarded to officers in lesser commands at sea, or principal commands on shore, who have performed such exceptionally meritorious service as to justify the award of the Distinguished Service Medal, except as to degree of merit. However, this should not be interpreted to preclude the award of the Legion of Merit Medal to any individual, regardless of grade or rate, whose acts or services meet the requirements. When the degree of achievement or service rendered, although meritorious, is not sufficient to warrant the award of the Legion of Merit Medal, the Bronze Star Medal or the Meritorious Service Medal should be considered.

c. Combat Distinguishing Device. The Combat Distinguishing Device was authorized for service subsequent to 17 July 1967. It was discontinued in April 1974, but reauthorized effective 17 January 1991.

Authorized Devices:

Air Force: Bronze Oak Leaf, Silver Oak Leaf
Army:Bronze Oak Leaf, Silver Oak Leaf
Coast Guard: Gold Star, Silver Star, Bronze V
Marine Corps: Gold Star, Silver Star, Bronze V
Navy: Gold Star, Silver Star, Bronze V