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
His father, Carroll, was a World War II veteran who served as an Army engineer in North Africa and Europe, and retired as a major with a Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit.
—
Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026
Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer credited with saving 165 people during last year's deadly July 4 flooding in the Texas Hill Country, was awarded the Legion of Merit.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
Trump handed out two Purple Hearts (one posthumously), a Legion of Merit, and not one but two Congressional Medals of Honor.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2026
Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Ruskan was also granted the Legion of Merit award.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026
During his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Trump honored several U.S. service members and one Olympic athlete with awards that included the Purple Heart, the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Legion of Merit and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
—CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
He’s been awarded two Defense Superior Service Medals; one Legion of Merit; two Distinguished Flying Crosses; and four Air Medals for his service.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 25 Nov. 2025
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, AZCentral.com, 23 Nov. 2025
Capra, for his service to his country, was awarded the Legion of Merit and Distinguished Service medals.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
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Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026
Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer credited with saving 165 people during last year's deadly July 4 flooding in the Texas Hill Country, was awarded the Legion of Merit.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
Trump handed out two Purple Hearts (one posthumously), a Legion of Merit, and not one but two Congressional Medals of Honor.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2026
Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Ruskan was also granted the Legion of Merit award.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026
During his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Trump honored several U.S. service members and one Olympic athlete with awards that included the Purple Heart, the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Legion of Merit and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
—CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
He’s been awarded two Defense Superior Service Medals; one Legion of Merit; two Distinguished Flying Crosses; and four Air Medals for his service.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 25 Nov. 2025
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, AZCentral.com, 23 Nov. 2025
Capra, for his service to his country, was awarded the Legion of Merit and Distinguished Service medals.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Legion of Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Legion%20of%20Merit. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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