Meritorious Service Medal

Meritorious Service Medal

The Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) is a decoration presented by the United States Armed Forces to recognize superior and exceptional non-combat service that does not meet the caliber of the Legion of Merit Medal. As of September 11, 2001, this award may also be issued for outstanding service in specific combat theater. The majority of recipients are field grade officers, senior warrant officers, senior non-commissioned officers and foreign military personnel in the ranks of O-6 and below. Subsequent awards are denoted by bronze oak leafs for Army and Air Force members, and gold stars for Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard members.