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Authorization. Executive Order 11448 of 16 January 1969 as amended by E.O. 12312 of 2 July 1981.

Eligibility Requirements. Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States or members of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States. To justify this decoration, the acts or services ren­ dered by an individual, regardless of grade or rate, must have been comparable to that required for the Legion of Merit but in a duty of lesser responsibility. The Meritorious Service Medal is the counterpart of the Bronze Star Medal for the recognition of meritorious non-combat service. When the degree of meritorious achievement or service rendered is not sufficient to warrant the award of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, when appropriate, should be considered.