silver anchor, surrounded by a red band inscribed, Mérito Técnico Naval in black. Suspended by a small replica of the Mexican eagle from a blue and white ribbon according to class. 1st class - gold cross, blue ribbon 2nd class - silver cross, blue ribbon with equal-width white center stripe Medal for Academic Merit The Condecoración al Mérito Facultativo is bestowed on students who achieve exceptional marks during their studies at the Military Academies. First class medals are given to those who achieve first-tier grades during all their years of study, and second class medals to those who post first and second tier marks. There is also the Medal for Naval Academic Merit. Description: Round medal with raised rim, bearing figure of the statute of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, with the Higher Military Academy in the background. Suspended from a green and white ribbon according to class, with a gilt or silver bar at top inscribed, Mexico. 1st class - gilt medal, moss green ribbon with medium width white center stripe 2nd class - silver medal, ribbon has five equal stripes, three moss green and two white Medal for Educational Merit The Condecoración al Mérito Docente recognizes instructors at Higher Military Schools who discharge their duties in an exemplary manner for at least three years. Description: Gilt 8-pointed star of multiple rays, with blue central medallion bearing head of Aztec chieftain Cuauhtémoc behind the head of the goddess Athena, enclosed within a white band inscribed, Recompensa al Saber y Asidua Aplicacion. A green wreath of laurel surrounds the white band. Suspended from a ribbon with three equal stripes of red-green-red, with a gilt bar at top inscribed, Mexico. Long Service Medal - Army and Air Force The Condecoración a la Perseverancia is granted to military personnel of the Army and Air Force for faithful, uninterrupted periods of military service to the country. Description: Basic form is a Maltese cross with two or three inner raised rims, resting on one or two circular wreaths of laurel, with a large round gilt central medallion bearing the number of years service surrounded by a white band inscribed Perseverancia above and the class of medal below. Suspended by a small replica of the Mexican eagle or a 5-pointed star from a ribbon colored according to class, with a gilt bar at top inscribed Mexico. Service for the Fatherland (50 years service and beyond)