N.C. Gen. Stat. § 127A-44.1
There is hereby created the North Carolina National Guard Achievement 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 Adjutant General of North Carolina or the Adjutant General's designee, who shall not be below the rank of lieutenant colonel (O-5), may award this medal. Any member or former member of the Armed Forces of the United States discharged under honorable conditions, who distinguishes himself or herself by example or the performance of a specific act in behalf of the North Carolina National Guard, is eligible for this award.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 127A-44.1