Medal for Merit
| Medal for Merit | |
|---|---|
Obverse and reverse of the Medal for Merit | |
| Type | Single grade decoration |
| Awarded for | Exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services during World War II |
| Country | United States |
| Presented by | President of the United States |
| Eligibility | Civilians of the United States and allied nations |
| Status | No longer awarded |
| Established | 20 July 1942 |
| First award | 28 March 1944 |
| Final award | 1952 |
Ribbon bar of the medal | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | None (At the time of its awarding) |
| Next (lower) | Medal of Freedom |
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
The Medal for Merit was the highest civilian decoration of the United States in the gift of the president. Created during World War II, it was awarded by the president of the United States to civilians who "distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services" in the war effort "since the proclamation of an emergency by the President on September 8, 1939". Awards to civilians of foreign nations were eligible "only for the performance of exceptionally meritorious or courageous act or acts in furtherance of the war efforts of the United Nations." It was last awarded in 1952.
The medal is made of gold-finished bronze and enamel and is worn on the left chest from a ribbon.