Legion of Merit

LM -LEGION OF MERIT 8455-00-262-3469

Eligibility Requirements

T he Legion of Merit, section 1121, title 10, United States Code (10 USC 1121), was established by Act of Congress 20 July 1942. awarded to a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a friendly foreign nation who distinguishes himself/herself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding service. To justify this 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 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 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, the Bronze Star Medal or the Meritorious Service Medal should be considered.

Medal

Ribbon

Device

Precedence

The Legion of Merit Medal shall be placed in precedence after Defense Superior Service Medal and before Distinguished Flying Medal.

Sample Citation