Legion of Merit

noun phrase

: a U.S. military decoration awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services

Examples of Legion of Merit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Yankees go on to win, 7-5. 1945 — World heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis is discharged from US army after being awarded the Legion of Merit. 1961 — Roger Maris hits his 61st home run of the season, against Tracy Stallard of the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024 During his military career, Kelly received numerous medals, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and multiple Air Medals. Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 20 July 2024 He was awarded the Legion of Merit, the federal Meritorious Service Medal and the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross. Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2024 His decorations included two Legion of Merit citations, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star and 16 Air Medals. Richard Goldstein, New York Times, 18 May 2024 His other decorations included the Distinguished Service Medal, two Legion of Merit honors and two Purple Hearts. Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 29 Nov. 2023 Soon thereafter, at the White House, President Dwight D. Eisenhower awarded Lieutenant Walsh the Legion of Merit. William J. Broad, New York Times, 18 Nov. 2023 His father, a career Army officer who retired as a colonel, earned the Legion of Merit during World War II and moved the family to Menlo Park, Calif. Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2023 Walsh wore the piece to the White House when President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented him with the Legion of Merit for his Triste explorations. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Legion of Merit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Legion of Merit was in 1942

Dictionary Entries Near Legion of Merit

Cite this Entry

“Legion of Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Legion%20of%20Merit. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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