The District of Columbia National Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon honors District of Columbia National Guard members who carry out a heroic act or other noteworthy accomplishments in a sustained and significant capacity on behalf of the District of Columbia.
The District of Columbia National Guard is composed of the District of Columbia Army National Guard and the District of Columbia Air National Guard. It is the lone National Guard organization to be called into active duty by the President rather than by a Governor. The Army component, which numbers approximately 1,350, was created in 1802 by then-President Thomas Jefferson. The Air component dates back to April 1941, when the 121st Observation Squadron was founded; its major unit is currently the 113th Wing.
The ribbon is bisected by a thin dark blue vertical stripe. On each side proceeding outwards is a thick red stripe followed by thinner stripes of dark blue, white, and dark blue.
Subsequent awards may be indicated by oak leaf clusters.