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10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

Is this medal given to every allied soldier?

No, this medal is very rare and is not given to everyone. Each year, only one hundred to two hundred people across all allied countries receive it. It is only for those who go above and beyond their normal jobs.

Who personally approves this award?

The Secretary General of NATO must look at and approve each medal. Because this person leads the whole alliance, their signature shows how special the award is. This makes it a very important honor to earn.

Can civilian workers receive this medal?

Yes, civilian workers can win this medal just like military members. Anyone who works directly for a NATO mission can earn it if they do something amazing. It recognizes that many different people help keep the alliance strong.

What color is the medal?

The medal is made of shiny silver-colored metal. It features the NATO compass rose design on the front. It also comes with a special ribbon that has stripes of blue, white, and silver.

Why was the medal created?

NATO started this award in 2003 because they wanted a way to honor special acts of courage and hard work. Before this, there was no single award from the leaders of the alliance to say thank you. Now, it serves as the top prize for people serving in important missions like those in Afghanistan or Kosovo.

Is this medal given to every allied soldier?

No, this medal is very rare and is not given to everyone. Each year, only one hundred to two hundred people across all allied countries receive it. It is only for those who go above and beyond their normal jobs.

Who personally approves this award?

The Secretary General of NATO must look at and approve each medal. Because this person leads the whole alliance, their signature shows how special the award is. This makes it a very important honor to earn.

Can civilian workers receive this medal?

Yes, civilian workers can win this medal just like military members. Anyone who works directly for a NATO mission can earn it if they do something amazing. It recognizes that many different people help keep the alliance strong.

What color is the medal?

The medal is made of shiny silver-colored metal. It features the NATO compass rose design on the front. It also comes with a special ribbon that has stripes of blue, white, and silver.

Why was the medal created?

NATO started this award in 2003 because they wanted a way to honor special acts of courage and hard work. Before this, there was no single award from the leaders of the alliance to say thank you. Now, it serves as the top prize for people serving in important missions like those in Afghanistan or Kosovo.

Home Library Other AlliedNATO Meritorious Service Medal

Merit decoration

NATO Meritorious Service Medal

The highest personal honor given to allied personnel who perform outstanding service for the NATO alliance.

Other Allied Established 2003 All servicesPrecedence: Worn at the top position among international alliance medals.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for outstanding personal initiative, dedication, or courage in service to the NATO alliance.

Eligibility

Individual military members and civilian staff serving under NATO command.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn at the top position among international alliance medals.

NATO Meritorious Service Medal, Merit decoration, Other Allied medal

History

In 2003, NATO leadership realized there was no single award to reward individual allied soldiers and civilians who showed extraordinary dedication. The alliance established the NATO Meritorious Service Medal to fill this gap, making it the premier personal award granted directly by the NATO Secretary General.

Unlike general mission medals awarded to everyone in a unit, this decoration is rare. Fewer than one hundred to two hundred are given out in a typical year across all allied countries. It recognizes actions such as showing courage under fire, finding clever solutions to military problems, or helping save lives during joint operations.

The medal has silver plating with the NATO compass rose and a ribbon striped in blue, white, and silver. It quickly became the most respected allied decoration worn across member forces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

War in AfghanistanKosovo WarGlobal War on Terrorism

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Marko Petrovic, including NATO Medal for Resolute Support, NATO Medal for Non-Article 5 ISAF Afghanistan, NATO Meritorious Service Medal, NATO Medal for Kosovo, shown against a light Other Allied flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Afghanistan

NATO Medal for Resolute Support NATO Medal for Non-Article 5 ISAF Afghanistan NATO Meritorious Service Medal+1

Marko Petrovic

Who Was Major Marko Petrovic?

A Croatian officer who served extensively in NATO-led operations throughout Afghanistan and the Balkan region.

Other Allied2010-2018

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Sources

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