(a) The Adjutant General may present, in the name of the State, the Medal for Military Merit to any person serving in the National Guard of the State who has distinguished himself or herself in any capacity as provided in this section.

(b) The Medal for Military Merit shall be a medal of bronze, 11/4 inches in diameter. On the obverse is the coat of arms of the State around which is inscribed “For Military Merit.” The reverse is plain. The medal shall be suspended by a ribbon 13/8 inches in width and 13/4 inches in length of beige with a 1/2-inch band of maroon in the center.

(c) The Medal for Military Merit may be awarded for meritorious service and outstanding achievement.

(1) A recommendation based on meritorious service recognizes praiseworthy execution of duties over a period of time. Service differs from achievement in that service concerns a period of time versus an act and is usually based on a permanent change of assignment, a completed period of service, or a retirement. The service must clearly distinguish the member from others of comparable grade and time of service. In addition, the medal will be awarded to members for every 10 years of satisfactory service. Federal military service shall count in the computation of time. Board action is not required.

(2) A recommendation based on outstanding achievement recognizes a single, specific act or accomplishment separate and distinct from regularly assigned duties which brings credit to the recipient as an individual. An outstanding achievement award covers a short period of time with definite beginning and ending dates. To recognize proficiency in military studies, the medal will be awarded to members who complete a course of military studies consisting of at least 80 hours of instruction and who are designated as “honor” or “distinguished” graduates. Board action is not required.

(d) This medal shall be awarded upon the recommendation of a board of 3 officers and 2 enlisted members as appointed by the Adjutant General.

(e) Only 1 medal may be awarded to any 1 person. For each additional award, a numeral 3/1 6 of an inch in diameter shall be given to the one who has earned the medal, which shall be affixed to the ribbon of the medal. The numeral affixed will designate the total number of times the medal has been awarded to the person.

35 Del. Laws, c. 35, § ?2; 37 Del. Laws, c. 36, § ?3; Code 1935, § ?307; 20 Del. C. 1953, § ?702; 64 Del. Laws, c. 258, § ?1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § ?1; 73 Del. Laws, c. 263, § ?2;