Joint Meritorious Unit Award

Authorized by the Secretary of Defense on June 10, 1981, this award was originally called the Department of Defense Meritorious Unit Award. It is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to Joint Activities (all services) for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is normally expected, for actions in the following situations: combat with an armed enemy of the United States, or during a declared national emergency, or under extraordinary circumstances that involve national interests.