The Utah National Guard Medal of Merit honors Utah National Guard members who carry out sustained exemplary service or execute a feat of heroism, typically in a position of considerable responsibility and in such a manner as to enhance or promote the Utah National Guard as a whole.
The Utah National Guard is composed of the Utah Army National Guard and the Utah Air National Guard. The Army component traces its roots back to Mormon settlers who established a militia in 1849; it is currently headquartered in Draper and operates 30 armories. The Air component was established in 1946 with the 191st Fighter Squadron and is based in Salt Lake City; it currently numbers approximately 1,450 members.
The ribbon is red and is bisected by a thin vertical white stripe; it features an additional, slightly thicker white stripe toward each edge.