The NATO Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) was first awarded in 2003 to commend NATO staff whose personal initiative and dedication went beyond their duty to NATO. The MSM can be awarded to military or civilian personnel serving under NATO command or control, in recognition of exceptional or remarkable service to the Alliance.
On the 4th of April 2024 NATO will mark the 75th anniversary of the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty. The United Kingdom was one of the founding 12 nations of the alliance offering transatlantic cooperation in safeguarding the freedom of NATO’s citizens, which now comprises of 32 countries.
NATO medals are not engraved.
NATO medals are identical in design however the Meritorious service medal is silver rather than bronze. The NATO MSM bar, also in silver, would bear the words 'MERITORIOUS' and has the NATO emblem (a four pointed star of the compass within a circle) flanking it on either side. The ribbon is NATO blue with a band of white at each edge. There is a line of silver followed by a line of gold evenly spaced within the white band on each side.
The award can be given under various criteria such as, performing an act of courage in difficult or dangerous circumstances; showing exceptional leadership or personal example; making an outstanding individual contribution to any activity or programme; or enduring particular hardship or deprivation in the interest of NATO.
There is no qualifying time for the Meritorious Service medal however multiple awards can be given and these would be denoted by a numeral attached to the ribbon. The list of the awards approved for wear by NATO are formally announced in the London Gazette.
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