History

The Legion of Merit was established by President Franklin Roosevelt by Act of Congress on July 20, 1942. The Legion of Merit is the second highest American award for service and achievement and the first American decoration awarded to citizens of other nations. Additionally, it is the only award in the world in which higher grades are not awarded to citizens of the country's origins. Until 1943, the Decoration was awarded by the President of the United States. However, between 1943 and 1955, it was awarded by the War Department, and since 1953, it has been awarded by general and flag Officers of the Lieutenant General or Vice Admiral level or above. The Legion of Merit was created as an award to honour foreign military personnel without diluting the significance of the Distinguished Service Medal as well as to recognize members of the United States Armed Forces for a wide range of outstanding contributions made to America's war efforts. The award is presented to personnel of the Armed Forces of both the United States and friendly foreign nations for exceptionally distinguished and meritorious service. It is most often awarded to personnel occupying senior positions, however, warrant officers and enlisted men may also be eligible for the award. Since 1957, exceptional meritorious service in a sustained period of difficult and increasingly important duty positions during peace-time has also been eligible for the award. Following the end of the Vietnam War, the Decoration is often awarded upon retirement; with such instances constituting a majority of all awards of the Legion of Merit. The Legion of Merit is awarded in 4 grades to foreigners but is awarded to American citizens without reference to a grade.

The Legion of Merit's motto is "Annuit Coeptis" which translates to "He (God) has Favoured our Undertakings."

Bronze or silver oak leaf emblems are worn on the service ribbon to denote additional awards for Army and Airforce personnel while gold or silver star emblems are worn on the service ribbon to denote additional awards to the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard personnel may also wear a bronze emblem in the shape of a "V" on the ribbon to denote awards made in recognition of valour.

The Chief Commander grade is presented to foreign heads of state who have demonstrated exceptional and distinguished meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States. President Roosevelt has also presented the Chief Commander to allied theatre commanders during the First World War in recognition of actions during joint landings and invasions. The Chief Commander is worn as a Breast Star and features a miniature gold pendant of the Breast Star superimposed on a gold bar that is worn on the service ribbon.

There may be additional versions of the Breast Star which vary by composition.