Meritorious Service Medal

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Meritorious Service Medal

The Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) is awarded to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or to any member of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation, who has distinguished himself or herself by outstanding meritorious achievement or service. The MSM differs from the DMSM in that the MSM is awarded to Service members assigned to traditional single-Service organizations and units, whereas the DMSM is a Defense/Joint award that is awarded to Service members assigned to qualifying joint activities.

Per Army Regulation 600-8 -22, (dated December 11, 2006) After 16 January 1969 but prior to 11 September 2001, the Meritorious Service Medal is authorized to be awarded only for meritorious service or achievement while serving in a non-combat area.

Description: The medal is a bronze medal 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 medal appears an eagle with wings upraised standing on two upward curving branches of laurel tied with a ribbon between the eagle's feet.
The ribbon is predominately ruby, with white vertical stripes and ruby lines at each edge.

Category of Award: U.S. Military Personal Performance Award

Authorized: Exucitive Order 11448, January 16, 1969

Device(s): Bronze and/or Silver Oak Leaf Cluster(s), or 5/16 Inch Star (gold and/or silver), (if applicable)

References:
AR 600-8-22, Military Awards, Page 42.
AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program, Pages 89 to 90.
SECNAVINST 1650.1H, Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual, Page 2-28.
COMDTINST M1650.25E, Coast Guard Military Medals and Awards Manual, Page 2-9.
DoD Manual 1348.33-M, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards, Page 103 and 104.
DoD Manual 1348.33, Volume 3, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD-Wide Performance and Valor Awards, Pages 23 and 24.