Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit ( German "Legion des Merit " ) is a high honor of the US armed forces , which is also given to foreign officers and public figures. Different ways of carrying are common for residents and foreigners.
history
The Legion of Merit was founded on July 20, 1942 by the United States Congress .
Awarded to residents
Unlike many European medals, American medals are usually only awarded in one stage. If the Legion of Merit is awarded to US soldiers, it is awarded in the basic level ( Legionnaire ).
Those in the seven uniformed services of the United States may earn the medal for extraordinarily meritorious conduct, excellence, and success in performing their work.
The seven United States uniformed services whose employees can receive the Legion of Merit:
- United States Army
- United States Marine Corps
- United States Navy
- United States Air Force
- United States Coast Guard
- United States Public Health Service
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Awarded to foreigners
If the Legion of Merit is awarded to soldiers of foreign armed forces or to members of government and officials of foreign states, it can be awarded as the only US medal in various levels ( Legionnaire, Officer, Commander, Chief Commander ).
At the Commander level , the Legion of Merit is the only military medal in the United States, alongside the Medal of Honor , that is worn as a neck medal .