NATO Meritorious Service Medal

DecorationNATO

For personnel in NATO service personally commended by a NATO commander or head of a NATO body.

Check your eligibility and build your ribbon rack

How you get it

A decoration must be officially awarded. Meeting the standard isn't enough: someone has to recommend you and the approval authority has to sign off. The citation and special order are your proof.

Approval: Personally commended by a NATO commander or head of a NATO body.

It belongs on your record if

You received it: a citation and special order were issued to you, or it's on your DD-214 or personnel record
It was approved, but it's missing from your DD-214 or personnel record

What it's awarded for

Commended for acts of courage in difficult or dangerous circumstances while in NATO service
Commended for exceptional leadership or personal example while in NATO service
Commended for an outstanding individual contribution to a NATO activity or program
Commended for enduring particular hardship or deprivation in the interest of NATO

Quick facts

Category: Foreign and international
Type: Decoration
Authorized devices: None
WAPS points: 0
Position in the AFPC listing: 81 of 91 (listed in order of precedence)

Full AFPC fact sheet text

Background

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization Meritorious Service Medal was approved by the North Atlantic Council, and is awarded to military and civilian personnel who have been commended for providing exceptional or remarkable service to NATO. The Secretary of Defense has approved the acceptance and wear of the NATO MSM for U.S. military and civilian personnel.

Criteria

Eligible personnel are individuals serving permanently or temporarily within NATO's operational chain of command or in those forces under NATO command or control, or in a NATO Body, who are commended personally by a Commander or a Head of a NATO Body for:

-Performing acts of courage in difficult or dangerous circumstances

-Showing exceptional leadership or personal example

-Making an outstanding individual contribution in any activity or program

-Enduring particular hardship or deprivation in the interest of NATO

Medal and ribbon description

The medal disc is of silver color. The ribbon and medal fabric is NATO Blue with white edges, with silver and gold threads centered on the white.

Authorized device

None

Source: NATO Meritorious Service Medal fact sheet, Air Force's Personnel Center