Formerly approved by the Assistant Secretary of Health, the Meritorious Service Medal is now presented by the Surgeon General to officers in the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service for meritorious or outstanding levels of achievement. The Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) ranks second in precedence of Individual Honor Awards in the Commissioned Officer’s Award Program (COAP), surpassed only by the Distinguished Service Medal.
Like many COAP awards, the MSM is presented to recognize both single outstanding acts or a continuous period of high-level service and accomplishments. These can include exceptionally significant achievements in program development and administration or scientific and medical research, an array of noteworthy contributions to the mission of the Commissioned Corps, a continuous period of meritorious performance and service, or demonstrating extraordinary leadership skills.
The MSM is also awarded to acknowledge officers who have displayed courage and heroism in the face of an emergency. In these cases, the medal may be issued with the “V” device indicating the actions were taken “With Valor.” The “V” device is not automatically issued because a Commissioned Corps officer performed commendably during a hazardous assignment or was exposed to a life-threatening situation or dangerous environment. It is only issued when the officer has purposefully performed an act of bravery or courage that required them to risk their life or safety in order to preserve or save the life of others. The Surgeon General is the ultimate arbiter in deciding whether the recipient’s actions qualify for the addition of this prestigious device.