Legion of Merit Recognizes Contributions and Service

​In 2015, the US government allowed Lieutenant Generals to approve the Legion of Merit (LOM) award. Previously, only four-star generals, the chief of staff, and the Secretary of the Army approved the award. A prestigious award, the LOM recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to combat and non-combat service.

The medal is among the military's highest honors, ranking higher than the Distinguished Flying Cross but below the Silver Star. Its design resembles the Medal of Honor. The medal has five white spokes with red borders, and the center comprises gold stars forming a six-point star on a blue background. The medal hangs from a red ribbon outlined in white.

An honoree can receive multiple awards in different categories with varying degrees of merit. Service members designated as combat recipients have fought in combat against an enemy of the country, participated in conflicts that involved opposing forces, or saw hostile or high-risk combat environments. Service members who received the award but did not have a combat designation served in situations where they significantly improved mission-critical operations, leadership, or performance.

When nationals of other countries received the medal, they received it for their significant contributions to joint operations or alliances with the US. The medal acknowledges exceptional service within these honors, with Combat C and Remote R designations signifying exceptional achievement during battle or as part of operations in remote locations, respectively.

Honorees come from all walks of service. Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) John Smith received an LOM honor after 25 years of service in the military. LTC Smith's contributions to the Department of Defense, the US Army Reserve, and the US Army include his participation in Operation Freedom in Afghanistan. As part of his tour with USARCENT in Kuwait, he became integral to the command's decision-making. He also received recognition for his leadership skills.

Sergeant First Class Hazael D. Hernandez received an LOM honor for his meritorious 24 years of service as a Senior Movements Noncommissioned Officer. The award recognized his team-building, communication, and mentoring skills. He also received accolades for his managerial skills as he oversaw the welfare and maintenance of 39 service members and over $15 million of equipment. His organizational skills led to his selection as the deploying Unit Movement Officer who shipped tons of vehicles to Kuwait without any losses.

First Sergeant Edgar Matthews received the LOM after nearly 30 years of service in the Army. His outstanding leadership, commitment to excellence, and dedication increased the effectiveness of his units as he became the First Sergeant for Company B at the 212th Combat Support Hospital. In this role, he led the training, readiness, and health and welfare for the 84-bed deployable hospital. 

Illinois Army National Guard Colonel Michael Eastridge received the LOM for his command leadership. The colonel successfully led the National Guard's 33rd Brigade Combat Team from June to December 2022 and guided the National Guard's COVID-19 response in Illinois.

Recipients receive an honor that reflects their inspiration, leadership, and character. It signifies that the recipient has exceeded the call of duty to meet operational goals in achieving strategic objectives, enhancing operations, or saving lives. The LOM upholds the country's values, making it one of the most revered.