Foreign Decorations

Personnel who are specifically authorized by law to accept decorations from foreign governments may wear them in the order of their receipt after all U.S. decorations, the Good Conduct Medal, campaign and service medals, and service and training ribbons. (See AR 600–8–22 for application procedures to request authorization to accept and wear foreign decorations.) Personnel may not wear any foreign decorations on the uniform unless at least one U.S. decoration or service medal is worn at the same time. Personnel will not wear foreign awards that do not conform to the standard U.S.-sized ribbon bar or medal.

NATO Meritorious Service Medal

The NATO Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to military and civilian personnel who have been commended for providing exceptional or remarkable service to NATO. 

The eligibility criteria for award of the NATO MSM includes: military and civilian personnel must not have been convicted of serious misconduct or crimes during the period of assignment under NATO command and control; must be 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; must be commended personally by a commander or a head of a NATO body for one of the following: 

(1) Performing acts of courage in difficult or dangerous circumstances.
(2) Showing exceptional leadership or personal example.
(3) Making an outstanding individual contribution in any activity or program.
(4) Enduring particular hardship or deprivation in the interest of NATO.

A period of qualifying service is not required. There is no limit to the number of times an individual may be recommended for the NATO MSM.

Where individuals by nature of their duties or location qualify for an operational award, such individuals may also be considered for the award of the NATO MSM in accordance with the criteria detailed above.

Award of the NATO MSM to personnel killed, presumed killed, or repatriated, as a result of being wounded or seriously injured while on assignment may be considered.

Order of precedence. The NATO MSM will be worn in the order of their receipt after all U.S. decorations, the Good Conduct Medal, campaign and service medals, and service and training ribbons.