(a) The commander-in-chief may, by general order, provide a suitable mark of distinction for all officers and enlisted members who have served in the military forces of the state for an aggregate period of three, five, ten, 15, and 20 years, respectively, and for like service thereafter; and medals to be awarded for valor, for distinguished service, and for good conduct.
(b) The commander-in-chief may authorize and prescribe regulations for the issuance of suitable marks of distinction to be awarded to:
(1) officers and enlisted members who have served in the military forces of the state during periods of war or other declared emergencies, provided that these shall not be awarded for service for which service medals or bars are authorized by federal authority; and
(2) nonmembers of the military forces of the state for distinguished service or support to the military forces of the state.
History:(2423) 1921 c 506 s 29; 1943 c 108 s 15; 1947 c 125 s 6; 1986 c 444; 1997 c 24 s 9; 2012 c 202 s 1