The Wisconsin National Guard Meritorious Service Medal honors Wisconsin National Guard members who carry out noteworthy service or execute other outstanding accomplishments on behalf of the Guard. Civilians are also eligible for the award under the same criteria.
The Wisconsin National Guard is made up of the Wisconsin Army National Guard and the Wisconsin Air National Guard. The Army component, established in 1848, numbers approximately 7,700 and is headquartered in Madison. The Air component, which numbers around 2,400, was founded in July of 1940 with the 126th Observation Squadron and is currently based in Madison as well; its major units are the 128th Air Refueling Wing and the 115th Fighter Wing.
The ribbon is bisected by a thick vertical white stripe flanked on the right by a thick red stripe and on the left by a blue one.