The West Virginia Meritorious Service Medal (WVMSM) was created by the Adjutant General of the State West Virgini, with West Virginia Permanent Orders (WVARNG WSANG – Joint Series) Number Two as its establishing authority.
It is issued both as a ribbon as a medal, with the latter being round and bronze-plated with the inscription “West Virginia Meritorious Service” running along the outer rim. The ribbon features a centered band of blue flanked by equal, very narrow bands of gold, which are in turn flanked by blue bands that each have very wide gold borders.
Established on 15 October 1990, the WVMSM is awarded to civilians, members of the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG), and members of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguish themselves through heroic acts, achievements of merit, or meritorious service rendered over a time period that is important enough to the State of West Virginia to warrant significant recognition, but of a lesser degree that that which is required to be awarded the West Virginia Legion of Merit. These acts must have taken placed on or after 1 July 1990.