Award of Merit Medal

Award of Merit Medal. The Award of Merit Medal is a distinguished United States Department of Defense service medal awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for meritorious service or achievement not involving participation in aerial flight. It occupies a significant place in the hierarchy of U.S. military decorations, recognizing commendable performance that does not rise to the level required for the Meritorious Service Medal. The award is authorized by the Secretary of Defense and is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of service members across the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, and United States Space Force.

History

The Award of Merit Medal was established during the late 20th century as part of a broader effort to formalize and expand the recognition of non-combat meritorious achievement within the United States Armed Forces. Its creation was influenced by the evolving nature of military service, which increasingly valued technical expertise, administrative excellence, and support roles critical to overall mission success. The medal filled a gap in the awards structure between the Army Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal, providing a fitting honor for sustained superior performance or specific acts of merit. Its institution was formally announced through directives from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, aligning with the policies of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Over the decades, it has been awarded to thousands of service members for contributions during operations such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as during peacetime assignments.

Design and specifications

The medal's design is a bronze disc, one and a quarter inches in diameter. The obverse features a raised American bald eagle with wings displayed, standing on a bundle of arrows, an adaptation of elements found on the Great Seal of the United States. Encircling the eagle are the words "AWARD OF MERIT" along the top perimeter. The reverse is plain, allowing for the engraving of the recipient's name, though this practice varies by service branch. The medal is suspended from a standard pentagonal-shaped ribbon drape. The ribbon pattern consists of a central stripe of Old Glory Blue flanked on either side by stripes of white, red, and white, echoing the colors of the U.S. flag. The design and specifications are maintained under the authority of the Institute of Heraldry, ensuring uniformity across all service branches.

Criteria and recipients

The Award of Merit Medal is awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Department of Defense, distinguishes themselves by outstanding meritorious service or achievement. The key criterion is service or achievement of a lesser degree than that required for the Meritorious Service Medal but which nevertheless merits formal recognition. This can include sustained superior performance in a duty assignment, the successful completion of a significant project, or acts of professional excellence that contribute substantially to the efficiency, morale, or operational readiness of a command. Authorization for the award is typically delegated to general officers or flag officers in the grade of Brigadier General or higher, or to senior executive service civilians. Recipients span all ranks and career fields, from junior Non-Commissioned Officers providing critical technical support to senior staff officers developing strategic plans at the Pentagon.

Notable recipients

While typically awarded for service not in the public eye, several notable military figures have been recognized with the Award of Merit Medal during their careers. General John R. Allen, former commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, received the award earlier in his service. Admiral Michelle J. Howard, the first female four-star admiral in the United States Navy, was also a recipient. Other distinguished recipients include General Ann E. Dunwoody, the first female four-star general in the United States Army, and Colonel Gregory D. Gadson, a veteran of the Gulf War and Iraq War known for his advocacy for wounded warriors. The award has also been presented to members of elite units such as the 75th Ranger Regiment and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment for support roles in major operations.

Precedence and wearing

In the order of precedence of U.S. military awards, the Award of Merit Medal is worn after the Meritorious Service Medal and before the various service-specific Commendation Medals, such as the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. When worn with other service medals, it is positioned accordingly on the uniform in a row or column as prescribed by regulations from each service's headquarters, such as Army Regulation 670-1 or the United States Navy Uniform Regulations. Only one medal is awarded, with subsequent qualifying acts denoted by the addition of bronze or silver oak leaf clusters attached to the ribbon. The corresponding ribbon is also worn on the service member's Class A uniform in the appropriate sequence.

Category:Military awards and decorations of the United States Category:United States Department of Defense awards