The American Legion of Merit

link to source

Executive Order 9260--Legion of Merit
Source: The provisions of Executive Order 9260 of Oct. 29, 1942, appear at 7 FR 8819, 3 CFR, 1943-1948 Comp., p. 1222, unless otherwise noted.
1. The decoration of the Legion of Merit shall be awarded by the President of the United States or at his direction to members of the armed forces of the United States and members of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations, who, after the proclamation of an emergency by the President on September 8, 1939, shall have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.
2. Awards of the decoration of the Legion of Merit may be proposed to the President by the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of the Air Force, each acting upon the recommendation of an officer of the armed forces of the United States who has personal knowledge of the services of the person recommended.
3 (a). The decoration of the Legion of Merit, in the degrees of Commander, Officer, and Legionnaire, shall be awarded by the Secretary of Defense or his designee, after concurrence by the Secretary of State, to members of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations.
(b). Recommendations for awards of the Legion of Merit, in the degree of Chief Commander, to members of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations shall be submitted by the Secretary of Defense, after concurrence by the Secretary of State, to the President for his approval.
[EO 9260 amended by EO 10600 of Mar. 15, 1955, 20 FR 1569, 3 CFR, 1954-1958 Comp., p. 245]