the parallel between the two medals. The eagle, symbol of the United States, stands on laurel branches denoting achievement. The star is used to represent the military service and the rays emanating therefrom denote the constant efforts of individuals to achieve through excellent and meritorious service. See also Meritorious Civilian Service Award – a comparable award given to civilian employees of the United States Departments of Defense and its agencies. References External links US Army Institute of Heraldry: Meritorious Service Medal (archived 13 January 2011) Military awards and decorations of the United States Awards and decorations of the United States Air Force Awards and decorations of the United States Army Awards and decorations of the United States Coast Guard Awards and decorations of the United States Marine Corps Awards and decorations of the United States Navy Awards and decorations of the United States Space Force Awards established in 1969 1969 establishments in the United States