T
he Meritorious Service Medal was established by Executive Order 11448, 16
January 1969 as amended by Executive Order 12312, 2 July 1981. The
Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the
United States or to any member of the Armed Forces of a friendly foreign
nation who, while serving in a noncombat area after 16 January 1969, has
distinguished himself or herself by outstanding meritorious achievement or
service. To justify this decoration, the acts or services rendered by an
individual, regardless of grade or rate, must have been comparable to that
required for the
Legion of Merit but in a duty of lesser responsibility. The
Meritorious Service Medal is the counterpart of the
Bronze Star Medal for the
recognition of meritorious non-combat service. When the degree of meritorious
achievement or service rendered is not sufficient to warrant the award of the
Meritorious Service Medal, the
Navy Commendation Medal, when appropriate,
should be considered.
F
OR outstanding meritorious service in risking his personal safety in order to
rescue fellow marines and civilians following the 11 September 2001 terrorist
attack on the Pentagon. Without regard for his own safety,
Major Leyva overcame shock, chaos, fire and deadly smoke to aid in
the rescue efforts.
Major Eddie Leyva's heroic acts are a testament of his bravery and reflect
great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the
Marine Corps , the United States Naval Service and the Department of Defense.
MSM
-- MERITORIOUS SVC MDL 8455-00-450-3728
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