Legion of Merit Ribbon / Medal Details

Details for the Legion of Merit

Date Authorized: April 3rd, 1942

Ribbon Identification Colors: red; green; white; blue

Visual Description (Ribbon):

Ribbon design vary by rank; all are crimson in color with thin bands of white on either edge; the Chief Commander wears a miniature gold version of the medal on the ribbon, the medal superimposed on a gold bar; the Commander wears just the miniature gold version of the medal; the Officer and Legionnaire wear the ribbon sans any miniature medal superimposed.

Visual Description (Medal):

Domed five-pointed white star over a green laurel; star points are inverted inwards toward the medal center; each star point is adorned with a ball of gold; between each star point and within the green laurel are crossed swords with their points facing outwards; at center are gold clouds surrounding a blue circle containing thirteen white stars; these stars are arranged in a 1-4-3-4-1 pattern as on the Coat of Arms; REVERSE: At center is a circular area for engraving of recipients name; encircling this area are more crossed swords as on the obverse; encircling the entire scene are the words "United States of America" on a ribbon.

Award Criteria:

Awarded to members of the armed forces of foreign nations encompassing the relative equal ranks of Chief Commander, Commander, Officer and Legionnaire. Awarded to personnel for "exceptionally meritorious conduct" that go beyond normal duties to rank. May also be awarded in peacetime.

For official awarding criteria per the US military, please visit: http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Awards/order_of_precedence.aspx