The Legion of Merit (or LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces given to members of the seven uniformed services of the U.S. and  to military and political figures of foreign governments for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.
 
It is typically awarded to Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force general officers and colonels, and Navy and Coast Guard flag officers and captains occupying senior command or very senior staff positions. Instances for officers of lesser rank are rare.