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[[File:Legion_of_Merit_ribbon.svg|left|Legion of Merit ribbon|thumb]] [[File:Legion_of_Merit_ribbon_with_"V"_device_(USN_and_USMC).svg|left|Legion of Merit ribbon with "V" device (USN and USMC)|thumb|left]] [[File:Us_legion_of_merit_chief_commander.png|left|Us legion of merit chief commander|thumb]] [[File:US_Legion_of_Merit_Commander.png|left|US Legion of Merit Commander|thumb]] [[File:Us_legion_of_merit_officer.png|left|Us legion of merit officer|thumb]] '''Legion of Merit''' is a [[United States]] military award that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The award is unique among U.S. military decorations in that it is the only United States decoration that is issued in degrees, similar to the distinctions of a [[chivalric order]]. It is one of the highest military honors that can be bestowed upon a foreign military member by the United States.

==History==
The Legion of Merit was established by an Act of Congress on July 20, 1942, and is awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States and to members of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations. The award was created to recognize service and achievement that exceeds what is normally expected and to acknowledge the contributions of high-ranking officers and enlisted personnel who have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.

==Criteria==
The criteria for the award include outstandingly meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States. For U.S. military personnel, the award requires that the performance must have been such as to merit recognition of service that is clearly exceptional. Non-U.S. military recipients are judged on the same criteria and are eligible for the award without regard to the degree of risk involved or the service performed.

==Degrees==
The Legion of Merit is awarded in four degrees:
* Chief Commander
* Commander
* Officer
* Legionnaire

The degree of Chief Commander is typically awarded to heads of state and other high-ranking government officials. The Commander degree is usually awarded to senior officers in the rank of major general or rear admiral and above, while the Officer and Legionnaire degrees are awarded to those of lower ranks.

==Appearance==
The badge of the Legion of Merit is a five-pointed white star edged in purple, with a center containing the insignia of the United States (an eagle, three arrows, and two olive branches) surrounded by a wreath of green laurel. The ribbon is purple with white edge stripes.

==Notable Recipients==
Over the years, the Legion of Merit has been awarded to numerous distinguished military personnel from both the United States and foreign countries. Notable recipients include high-ranking military officers, heads of state, and other distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to their countries and to international peace and security.

==See Also==
* [[Awards and decorations of the United States military]]
* [[Military order (society)]]
* [[Chivalric order]]

[[Category:Military awards and decorations of the United States]]

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Legion of Merit - Revision history

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