The North Carolina National Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon honors North Carolina National Guard members who demonstrate exceptional achievement or service or who perform acts of heroism, typically of a lesser nature than would warrant the North Carolina National Guard Distinguished Service Medal.
The North Carolina National Guard is composed of the North Carolina Army National Guard and the North Carolina Air National Guard, numbering approximately 12,000 soldiers and airmen.The Army component is among the oldest in the country, dating back to a state militia formed through the Carolina Charter in 1663; it is headquartered in Raleigh. The Air component was formed in 1948 with the 156th Fighter Squadron and is currently based in Raleigh as well.
The ribbon is red with two thin vertical dark blue stripes toward each edge.
