Established by The Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) through West Virginia Permanent Order Number 3 issued jointly by the WVNG’s Army and Air Force branches on 15 October 1990, the West Virginia Commendation Medal (WVCM) was originally issued in both medal and ribbon format. On the round, bronze-plated medal, the words “West Virginia State Commendation” were engraved along the outside of the medal with a square containing the State Seal superimposed in the circle.
The WVCM may be awarded to anyone who distinguishes himself/herself with acts of especially meritorious public service or achievement or displays “exceptional bravery that is of sufficient importance to the State of West Virginia to merit significant recognition,” but not to the degree necessary to justify the award of the West Virginia Meritorious Service Medal (WVMSM).
Of the awards created by The Adjutant General, the WVCM currently is second in precedence, above the West Virginia Achievement Ribbon and surpassed only by the WVMSM. It had previously been directly behind an award called the West Virginia State Commendation Medal (WVSCM) which was discontinued and is no longer authorized for issue.
Personnel who were awarded the WVSCM before its discontinuation are allowed to wear either the medal or ribbon version of the award following the order of precedence established by The Adjutant General that was in effect while it was still authorized for issue.