Legion of Merit: USA | 23 Dec 2020

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.

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”.