N.C. Gen. Stat. § 127A-43
There is hereby created the North Carolina National Guard Meritorious Service Medal which shall be of appropriate design, and a ribbon, together with a rosette or other device to be worn in lieu thereof. This medal and appurtenances thereto shall be of a design approved by the Governor or the Governor's designee. The Governor or the Governor's designee is authorized to award this medal upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Public Safety in consultation with the Adjutant General and a board of officers appointed by the Adjutant General. Any member or former member of the Armed Forces of the United States discharged under honorable conditions, who has distinguished himself or herself by heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service to the North Carolina National Guard, is eligible for this award. The Governor, on the Governor's own authority, may award the medal to the Secretary of Public Safety, the Adjutant General or any other active or inactive general officer or flag officer of the Armed Forces of the United States who has distinguished himself or herself by heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service to the North Carolina National Guard. The required heroism, achievement, or service, while of a lesser degree than that required for awarding of the North Carolina Distinguished Service Medal, must nevertheless be accomplished with distinction.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 127A-43