Legion of Merit

Legion of Merit. It is a military award of the United States Armed Forces for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. Established during World War II, it is one of the few United States decorations that may be awarded to foreign military and government personnel. The award is issued in four degrees, with the Chief Commander and Commander degrees reserved for foreign recipients.

History and establishment

The award was established by an Act of Congress and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 20, 1942. Its creation was influenced by the desire to have a suitable honor for recognizing the service of allied nation personnel, filling a gap between the Distinguished Service Medal and the Silver Star. The first awards were made in 1943, with early recipients including key Allied leaders from World War II such as Georgy Zhukov of the Soviet Union and Sir John Dill of the United Kingdom. The award's history is closely tied to major conflicts including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and operations in the Persian Gulf.

Criteria and eligibility

The award criteria, as outlined in United States Department of Defense directives and the individual service regulations of the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, and United States Space Force, require the performance of outstanding meritorious service. For United States military personnel, it typically recognizes service in positions of great responsibility, such as senior staff roles in United States European Command or United States Central Command. For foreign personnel, it is awarded for distinguished service in promoting cooperation between their nation's armed forces and the United States Department of Defense. Notable civilian recipients, such as Walt Disney and Bob Hope, have been recognized for exceptional support to the military.

Classes and design

The award is issued in four classes: Legionnaire, Officer, Commander, and Chief Commander. The design, created by the United States Army Institute of Heraldry, features a white-enameled, five-armed cross with ten points, in the style of the Legion of Honour. The central disc bears 13 stars, echoing the Great Seal of the United States, surrounded by a blue band inscribed with the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA". A laurel wreath separates the arms of the cross. The ribbon is crimson with narrow white edges. The degrees are distinguished by miniature devices worn on the suspension ribbon or service ribbon, such as a plaque for Chief Commander.

Notable recipients

Prominent American military recipients include General Omar Bradley, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, and General Colin Powell. Distinguished foreign recipients span allied nations and include figures like Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and General Charles de Gaulle. Leaders from NATO partners, such as former Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Philip Breedlove, have also been honored. The award has been conferred upon royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, as well as senior officials from nations like Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

Order of precedence and display

In the order of precedence for United States military awards, it is positioned below the service-specific Distinguished Service Medals and above the Silver Star. For wear, the medal or its ribbon is placed accordingly on formal uniforms. When multiple awards are authorized, subsequent awards are denoted by oak leaf cluster devices for the Army and Air Force, and by gold stars for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Foreign recipients typically wear the award according to the protocols of their own nation's decorations system, often in concert with honors like the Order of the British Empire or the French National Order of the Legion of Honour.

Category:Military awards and decorations of the United States Category:1942 establishments in the United States