The NOAA Corps Meritorious Service Medal is the highest honorary award presented by the

NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, known informally as the NOAA Corps, is one of eight federal uniformed services of the United States, and operates under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administ ...

. Established 23 December 2013, the medal is awarded to those members of the NOAA Corps and those members of the

Uniformed Services Uniformed services is an abstract term that are generally bodies of people in employment of a State (polity), state who wear a distinct uniform that differentiates them from the public sector, public and private sector. Their purpose is to maintai ...

attached or otherwise assigned to the NOAA Corps. Award of the medal recognizes outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States in a position of considerable responsibility.

Award criteria

The NOAA Corps Meritorious Service Medal recognizes acts or service that warrant greater recognition that can be given by the NOAA Corps Commendation Medal, but is less than that required for the award of a

Department of Commerce Silver Medal The Department of Commerce Silver Medal is the second highest of three honor awards of the United States Department of Commerce. Since 1949, the Silver Medal is presented by the Secretary of Commerce for exceptional service. The award may be prese ...

, such as: * A voluntary act of heroism that stands out as something distinctly above normal expectations. * Meritorious service, worthy of special recognition, covering an extended period of time. Eligible service should be far superior to that usually expected of an individual of their rank, it should demonstrate significant leadership accomplishments, or is a significant and substantial contribution to the Government. * Outstanding career service, worthy of special recognition, based on the sustained performance of an officer over multiple assignments. Service should have tangible and sustained achievements in leadership, management and government service.

Ribbon devices

Each additional award of the medal is denoted by a inch gold star for the full size medal suspension ribbon and

service ribbon A medal ribbon, service ribbon or ribbon bar is a small ribbon, mounted on a small metal bar equipped with an attaching device, which is generally issued for wear in place of a medal when it is not appropriate to wear the actual medal. Each cou ...

and a inch gold star for the miniature medal suspension ribbon.

Notable recipients

* Michael S. Devany * Michael J. Silah * Todd C. Stiles

References

{{reflist Awards and decorations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration