The West Virginia National Guard Commendation Medal honors West Virginia National Guard members who carry out meritorious service of a degree greater than that required for the West Virginia National Guard Achievement Medal but of a lesser degree than would warrant the West Virginia National Guard Distinguished Service Medal.
The West Virginia National Guard is composed of the West Virginia Army National Guard and the West Virginia Air National Guard. The Army component dates back to militia activity in 1735 and currently has approximately 4,000 members. The Air component was established in 1947 with the 167th Fighter Squadron; it is currently based in Charleston and made up of the 130th Airlift Wing and the 167th Airlift Wing.
The ribbon is dark blue with five thin vertical yellow stripes in the center.