Per West Virginia Code §15-1G-2, the West Virginia Legion of Merit is “awarded for exceptional meritorious service, achievement or bravery.” Eligible recipients include current and former West Virginia National Guard Officers and Enlisted personnel; current and former members of active military components, other state’s National Guard, and other reserve components; and civilians whose service to the West Virginia National Guard, the state of West Virginia, or the United States of America is deemed conspicuous or distinguished.
Nominees for both the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Service Medal are reviewed by the Military Awards Board of the State of West Virginia, which recommends approval or disapproval to the Governor of West Virginia, who is dual-hatted as the Commander-in-Chief of the West Virginia National Guard (and also appoints the members of the Board). If the Board does not find sufficient justification in a nomination for the Distinguished Service Medal, it has the option of instead recommending the Legion of Merit to be awarded in its place.