What is the Legion of Merit?

What is the Legion of Merit

The President of the USA, Donald Trump has honoured the Legion of Merit on PM Narendra Modi. this award is known as the highest military honours of the US.

Why is the PM given this honour?

• The PM Modi was awarded this honour for making exceptionally meritorious service and India’s leader. the Indian Ambassador to the USA Taranjit Singh Sandhu received the award.

Here is tweet as you can see

I am deeply honoured to be awarded the Legion of Merit by @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. It recognises the efforts of the people of India & the US to improve bilateral ties, reflected in the bipartisan consensus in both countries about the Indo-US Strategic Partnership.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 22, 2020

What is Legion of Merit award?

• It is the US military decoration that has distinct ranks. this is the 1st medal that is given to other citizens.
• The award has been distributing since 1943.
• A person who has done extraordinary services is honoured.
• It is bestowed to foreign officials of high rank or on foreign military advisers. The badge is a five-rayed white cross, edged with red, placed on a green wreath with a blue centre consisting of 13 white stars.

History of the legion:

• late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah – 2020
• Chiang Kai-shek (China) – 1943
• Gen Georgy Zhukov (Soviet Army) – 1945
• Charles de Gaulle (France) – 1945
• King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Thailand) – 1960

Legion of Merit to Indians

1. King George VI – 1945
2. Brother of Sir Baber Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana – 1946
3. Shah Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi,- 7th October 1947
4. Field Marshal & Prime Minister Tin Maharaja Mohan Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana, GBE, GCIE Royal Nepalese Army – 1948.
5. Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, OBE ( Indian Army) – 1950
6. General Satyawant Mallana Srinagesh ( Indian Army) – 2nd September 1955
7. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX Thai Armed Forces) – 28th June 1960    

What is the Legion of Merit