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:

Awarded to foreigners

General Edmund Entacher at the New Years Reception of the Diplomatic Corps 2013 with the Commander of the Legion of Merit as the neck medal

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 .