Meritorious Service Medal
From 7th Cavalry Regiment Wiki
The Meritorious Service Medal is a military award presented to members of the 7th Cavalry who distinguished themselves by outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service to the 7th Cavalry.
Contents |
Creation and History
At the Tri-Department Awards Conference (February 5, 1968), there was a discussion on the need for a third meritorious award to provide appropriate recognition for non-combat achievement or service comparable to the Bronze Star for combat achievement or service. It was felt that the Legion of Merit's prestige was slipping because it was being used with increasing frequency to reward service below the Legion of Merit's intended standard.
An ad hoc committee was formed by the Secretary of Defense (M&RA) to select a name. On November 8, 1968, the committee unanimously approved the name "Meritorious Service Medal". President Lyndon B. Johnson established the Meritorious Service Medal per Executive Order No. 11448, dated January 16, 1969. The decoration was designed by Mr. Jay Morris of the Institute of Heraldry, and the design was approved by the committee on March 20, 1969.
Ribbon
Medal
Awarding
Awarded for contributions of a technical matter to either the 7th Cavalry or a member, or for meritorious service of a non combat nature. To receive this award the individual must exhibit exceptionally meritorious service at that level of responsibility.
Description
A bronze medal, 1 1/2 inches in diameter overall, consisting of six rays issuant from the upper three points of a five-pointed star with beveled edges and containing two smaller stars defined by incised outlines; in front of the lower part of the star an eagle with wings upraised standing upon two upward curving branches of laurel tied with a ribbon between the feet of the eagle. The reverse has the encircled inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "MERITORIOUS SERVICE".
The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/8 inch Crimson 67112; 1/4 inch White 67101; center 5/8 inch Crimson; 1/4 inch White; and 1/8 inch Crimson.
Recipients
See Also
Awards and decorations of the 7th Cavalry
References
http://www.7thcavalry.us/index.php?app=uportal&code=16
http://www.gruntsmilitary.com/
