Army Meritorious Unit Citation Small Frame Mini-Ribbon

Instituted: 1944 Criteria: Awarded to U.S. Army units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service Devices: Bronze, Silver Oak Leaf Cluster The Army Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during the period of military operations against an armed enemy occurring on or after January 1, 1944. Service in a combat zone is not required but must be directly related to the combat effort. Units based within the continental U.S. or outside the area of operation are excluded from this award. The unit must display such outstanding devotion and superior performance of exceptionally difficult tasks as to set it apart and above other units with similar missions. The award is usually given to units larger than battalions. The degree of achievement required is the same as that which would warrant award of the Legion of Merit to an individual. It was originally authorized as a wreath emblem that was worn on the lower right sleeve of the Army uniform but was redeveloped in its present form in 1961. As with other unit citations, it has a gold frame surrounding the ribbon; the open end of the “V” shaped design on the frame points upward and is worn with other unit citations on the right side of the uniform. Additional awards are denoted by bronze and silver oak leaf clusters.