Is the Legion of Merit a Big Deal?
The Legion of Merit (LOM) is highly regarded among U.S. military personnel, but how significant is this honor, and what does it represent? For anyone in the armed forces, recognizing distinctions like this can help deepen your understanding of military values and operational excellence.
This blog post provides an in-depth breakdown of the Legion of Merit, its history, criteria, and significance, helping you determine just how prestigious this award is. Is the Legion of Merit a big deal? Read on.
What is the Legion of Merit?
The Legion of Merit is a prestigious military decoration, initially established by an Act of Congress on July 20, 1942, during World War II. It was unique, being the first U.S. decoration created to honor both American service members and citizens of other nations for outstanding contributions in military operations. The executive order in 1955 further refined its stature and criteria, cementing its relevance in recognizing exceptional achievement or service.
This award has evolved to symbolize more than just professional excellence. It is a testament to an individual’s significant impact on critical operations, whether in combat or non-combat scenarios. Whether a recipient has demonstrated outstanding leadership or technical prowess under high-stakes conditions, receiving the Legion of Merit commands deep respect.
What Makes the Legion of Merit Unique?
The Legion of Merit is one of the few military awards to have multiple degrees, each denoting varying levels of merit. It is also distinct because it can be conferred not only on U.S. military personnel but also on nationals of other countries, provided their service to the United States or allied nations is deemed exceptionally meritorious. Now, I don’t know about you, but to me, it seems like the answer to the question, is the Legion of Merit a big deal, is a resounding yes. But before we say yes to the question, is the Legion of Merit a big deal, let’s look at it closer, shall we?
Highlights of the LOM:
- Degrees of Recognition: The Legion of Merit has four degrees for foreign nationals, which are reserved for high-ranking military and government officials. This international acknowledgement adds a level of prestige few U.S. awards can rival.
- Chief Commander: Head of state or government although military commanders of allied nations have been presented the LOM.
- Commander: Equivalent of a U.S. military chief of staff or higher position, but not to a head of state.
- Officer: General or flag officer below the equivalent of a U.S. military chief of staff; colonel or equivalent rank (Navy or Coast Guard captain) for service in assignments equivalent to those normally held by a general or flag officer in U.S. military service; or military attachés.
- Legionnaire: All recipients not included above.
A recipient eligible for multiple awards will never receive a lower-degree honor if already holding a higher degree, reinforcing the award’s merit-based integrity. Is the Legion of Merit a big deal? It sure seems like it.
Who Can Receive the Legion of Merit?
The Legion of Merit is unique in its broad eligibility, with criteria that include both combat and non-combat service. It can be awarded to officers, enlisted members of the U.S. armed forces, and foreign nationals who have demonstrated exceptional service or achievement.
For Americans in Combat
When the award is granted for actions in combat, it can include the “Combat C” device. Eligibility for this distinction involves:
- Engagement against an enemy of the United States.
- Operations involving conflict with opposing foreign forces.
- Service in a manner that exposed the individual to hostile or high-risk combat situations.
Geographic location alone does not qualify someone for the “Combat C” device. Service must involve personal risk or hostile exposure linked to the achievement.
For Americans in Non-Combat Roles
Service that significantly enhances mission-critical operations, leadership, or performance can qualify for the Legion of Merit even outside combat zones. For instance, undertaking roles that achieve strategic goals or improve overall military capabilities often qualifies.
In modern day use in the U.S. Armed Forces, the Legion of Merit is typically awarded to Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force general officers and colonels, and Navy and Coast Guard flag officers and captains occupying senior command or senior staff positions in their respective services.
It may also be awarded to officers of lesser rank like senior warrant officers who are typically in command positions at the rank of chief warrant officer 5. It can also be awarded to senior enlisted personnel (typically in the rank of command sergeant major and Sergeant Major of the Army in the Army, fleet master chief petty officer and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy in the Navy, command chief master sergeant and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force in the Air Force, command chief master sergeant and Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force in the Space Force, and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps in the Marine Corps. It’s important to note that these instances are less frequent and typically by exception, and the circumstances of the award vary by branch of service.
Authority to award the Legion of Merit is reserved for general officers and flag officers in pay grade O-9 and above, civilian Department of Defense personnel at assistant service secretary or assistant secretary of defense level and above, or equivalent secretary-level civilian personnel with the Department of Homeland Security with direct oversight of the U.S. Coast Guard.
For American service members, eligibility often involves extraordinary leadership or operational success. The decoration recognizes actions that go above and beyond the standard requirements.
For Nationals of Other Countries
The decoration's degrees for foreign nationals recognize vital contributions to joint operations or alliances with the United States. These awards honor officials and officers whose impact aligns with the values and principles upheld by the U.S. armed forces.
Devices That Enhance the Legion of Merit
Authorized devices, such as the “Combat C” and “Remote R,” further distinguish this award, depending on the circumstances and nature of the recipient’s contributions.
Combat C Device
The “Combat C” is reserved for service performed under combat conditions. It honors exceptional achievements while directly exposed to hostile action or conditions of significant risk.
Remote R Device
The “Remote R” device is awarded to individuals involved in remotely directed operations that have a direct impact on combat effectiveness. This differs from the “Combat C” in that recipients are not directly exposed to hostile situations but play a critical operational role remotely. Common fields of eligibility include:
- Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
- Cyber and space operations.
- Remote piloting of unmanned systems.
Notably, the “R” device reflects the growing significance of remote operational domains in modern military engagements.
Design of the Medal
The Legion of Merit’s physical form further highlights its significance. The medal is designed with brilliance and symbolism. Its rich colors and intricate details symbolize honor, achievement, and distinction on an international and domestic scale.
What Does the Legion of Merit Say About You?
For recipients, the Legion of Merit doesn’t just signify professional competence; it reflects character, leadership, and the ability to inspire. It’s awarded to those who go "above and beyond" the call of duty in advancing operational goals.
Whether you wear it with a “Combat C” or “Remote R” device, the Legion of Merit signifies your service helped achieve strategic objectives, improved operations, or saved lives, and in doing so, upheld the values of your branch and country.
Since the LOM’s inception, it has been awarded regularly to senior personnel in the U.S. military and its allies. As previously mentioned, it is ordinarily awarded to military personnel who are senior in rank and have held positions of large responsibility.
Recent Recipients of the LOM
Illinois Army National Guard Col. Michael Eastridge, the chief of the Illinois National Guard's Joint Staff, was awarded the Legion of Merit for his successful command of the National Guard's 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team from June 2020 through December 2022. Col. Eastridge helped guide the brigade during the Illinois National Guard's COVID-19 response and helped it maintain its readiness and combat power during the pandemic.
The Legion of Merit was presented to Brig. Gen. Edward Lewis, for serving as the land component commander at Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received the LOM on Feb. 2, 2025. Lewis earned the medal for exceptional service while serving as the Wyoming Army Guard chief of staff for the Joint Force Headquarters from June 1, 2019, to March 19, 2023.
An LOM was awarded at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 18, 2025, by U.S. Air Force Col. Richard McElhaney, 374th Airlift Wing commander, to Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Junya Wakamatsu, 1st Airborne Brigade commander, for his exceptional leadership and accomplishments during his time with the JGSDF 1 AbnB.
Final Thoughts
To answer the question, “Is the Legion of Merit a big deal?” Absolutely. Its history, criteria, and prestige make it one of the most revered military decorations a service member can receive. Whether it’s awarded for valor in combat, leadership in non-combat roles, or contributions through remote operations, it is a testament to the recipient’s exceptional service and impact.
For those fortunate enough to receive it, the Legion of Merit is not just a medal; it’s a legacy of valor and leadership that resonates across nations and generations. Take pride in knowing that this award represents a deep commitment to excellence and service.