Legion of Merit

This was established by an Act of Congress on 29 July 1942. It is probably the nearest thing the US has to a European style Order, in that it has four classes. Although members of the US armed forces are eligible to receive this, they normally only qualify for the lowest grade, Legionnaire. The upper grades (Chief Commander, Commander and Officer) are typically reserved for very senior officers or foreign nationals.

The order is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the USA.