The US Meritorious Service Medal is a prestigious military award recognising outstanding accomplishments and dedication. This exquisite bronze medal showcases a majestic eagle, complemented by a striking crimson ribbon. Read more..
The United States Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) is a distinguished military decoration that honours members of the U.S. Armed Forces for exceptional meritorious achievement or service to the United States. Initially intended for peacetime achievements, the scope of the award was expanded after September 11, 2001, to also serve as an alternative to the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious accomplishments in designated combat theatres. The MSM has been awarded for acts of distinction since January 16, 1969.
Design
The MSM is a bronze medal featuring six rays emanating from the upper three points of a bevelled, five-pointed star. Positioned in front of the lower part of the star is an eagle with raised wings, standing on two upward-curving laurel branches tied together with a ribbon beneath the eagle's feet. The reverse of the medal has the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "MERITORIOUS SERVICE."
Ribbon
The accompanying silk ribbon is a crimson colour, with two white stripes running parallel to the edges of the ribbon.
If you order your medal unmounted, the medal and ribbon will be supplied as separate components. Miniature medals will be supplied with 15cm of ribbon and full size medals will be supplied with 30cm of ribbon.
The court mounting of medals involves securing medals to a stiff backing board, along with the placement of a brooch fitting on the board. This ensures that the medals remain firmly in place and do not shift or move about while being worn.
It is mandatory for active members of the Australian Defence Force to have their medals court mounted, as it is considered the appropriate method of presenting military honours in a professional and respectful manner. By doing so, the medals are given proper recognition and are displayed in a neat and organized fashion.The swing mounting of medals refers to the attachment of a medal to a ribbon that is allowed to hang freely from a brooch, which in turn is affixed to a uniform or clothing. This mounting style was commonly used for medals from the Boer War up to and including World War II, although there are no fixed guidelines or regulations regarding its use.
Miniature Court Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.
Miniature Swing Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.
A ribbon bar is a small, rectangular display of ribbons worn on military uniforms to represent various honours and awards earned by the wearer. These ribbons are arranged in a specific order and are attached to a backing, which is then attached to the uniform. Ribbon bars are a compact and convenient way for military personnel to display their achievements and are often used in situations where a full-sized medal or award would be impractical.
