Georgia National Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon

Georgia National Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon
Georgia National Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon

History

The Georgia National Guard Meritorious Service Medal honors Georgia National Guard members who carry out noteworthy service on behalf of Georgia or its forces; to qualify, service must entail one or more of the following:

-restoring law, order, peace, and/or tranquility
-combating human suffering
-preventing human death
-preventing or mitigating the loss of property in excess of $10,000
-other outstanding behavior, determined at the discretion of the award’s authorized bestowing entity

The Georgia National Guard consists of the Georgia Army National Guard and the Georgia Air National Guard, which are currently estimated to number 11,100 and 3,000 members respectively. The Army component, headquartered in Marietta, traces its roots back to 1751 militia activity in Savannah. The Air component was formed officially in May of 1948, although its origins lie in the 840th Aero Squadron, a non-flying unit that supported World War I efforts; the Air guard is based in Brunswick, Georgia.

Details

The medal is in the shape of a cross with red three-pointed ends and a round, ridged backing; it is encircled by a green laurel wreath. The center features the image of the State Seal and the words “STATE OF GEORGIA.” The ribbon is blue with one gray and one white stripe on each edge proceeding inward.