PLAQUE OF MERIT

The Plaque of Merit is given to Auxiliary members in recognition of extreme skill in performing an assist  or rescue that involves risk to the Auxiliarist's life. The Auxiliary Plaque of Merit may be awarded by any Flag Officer with Chief Director of Auxiliary concurrence.

This award recognizes heroism in the face of  grave personal risk and which clearly stands out as above normal expectations.

The key aspects of performance for award of the Plaque of Merit are extememe skill, assist or rescue, and risk to the Auxiliarist’s life.  As can be seen, the Auxiliary Plaque of Merit can only be given for an assist or rescue. The Auxiliarist must have exercised extreme skill, as opposed to just skill required for the Medal of Operational Merit. Lastly, there must have been risk to the member's life. Neither the assist nor rescue need be successful, only that the action required extreme skill and was performed or attempted at risk to the Auxiliarist's life.

This award consists of a bronze plaque, ribbon, and miniature medal. There is no certificate. The operational “O” attachment is not authorized for this award.  Subsequent awards are signified by 5/16-inch gold or silver stars as appropriate.