MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE

To whom awarded:

The Medal for Meritorious Service shall be awarded to any member of the New York State Organized Militia who, while serving in any capacity in the organized militia after 17 April 1979 distinguished themselves by heroism, exceptionally meritorious achievement or exceptionally meritorious service. Awards may be made to persons who are members of the Armed Forces of the United States, but only under exceptional circumstances and with the express approval of The Adjutant General. This award is not authorized for civilian personnel.

Standards:

Heroism: Awards may be made for acts of heroism which were performed under circumstances which are of a lesser degree than that required for award of the Medal for Valor. The act of heroism must have involved personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of potential injury. Awards will not be made solely on the basis of having saved a life.
Exceptionally meritorious achievement or exceptionally meritorious service: Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service. The required achievement or service, while of a lesser degree than that required for the award of the Conspicuous Service Medal must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction beyond that normally expected while serving in a position of responsibility. An award for meritorious service will not normally be made for periods of service less than six months.

How awarded:

Recommendations for the award of the Medal for Meritorious Service will be submitted using DMNA Form Letter 48-R (Sample Figure 2-5, DMNA Reg 672-1) and accompanied by a citation in accordance with the sample and guidelines outlined in Figure 2-6, DMNA Reg 672-1. Requests will be forwarded through command channels and each intermediate commander will provide appropriate recommendation in forwarding endorsement. Recommendations will be forwarded to the major component awards board for review, recommendation, and subsequent approval/disapproval by the commander.

Succeeding awards:

For each succeeding award, a Medal device (shield) will be attached to the suspension ribbon and the service ribbon. These devices shall be:

Silver silver to represent one additional award.

Gold gold to represent five additional awards.

Approving authority:

The approving authority for this award is the commander of each respective major component of the New York State Organized Militia.