Important Facts For Prelims
Legion of Merit: USA
- 23 Dec 2020
- 2 min read
Why in News
Recently, the USA has awarded the ‘Legion of Merit’ to the Prime Ministers of India, Japan and Australia.
- All these four countries were key to reviving the Quadrilateral grouping since 2017, which is part of the Indo-Pacific strategy and is aimed at countering the growing dominance of China in the region.
Key Points
- About the Award:
- One of the USA’s highest military decorations, the award was instituted in 1942 by former President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- It is awarded to members of the USA armed forces and also members of foreign (i.e. non-USA) armed forces and sometimes heads of state or government.
- The award is presented to foreign recipients in four categories: Chief Commander, Commander, Officer and Legionnaire.
- There have been two Indian recipients of the honour in the past: Field Marshal K M Cariappa in 1950, and Gen S M Srinagesh in 1955.
- Current Receivers:
- Indian PM has been given this award for his role in “advancing the India-USA relationship”.
- The award recognises the efforts of the people of India and the USA to improve bilateral ties, reflected in the bipartisan consensus in both countries about the Indo-USA Strategic Partnership.
- Australian PM was presented the award for “addressing global challenges and promoting collective security”.
- Japanese PM for his “leadership and vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific”.
- Indian PM has been given this award for his role in “advancing the India-USA relationship”.
