Conn. Gen. Stat. § 27-73i

The Adjutant General and two officers of field grade or above, appointed by the Adjutant General, shall constitute a board of officers to receive recommendations through military or civilian channels for the award of the civilian medal of merit, within available appropriations, to any person, except civilian employees of the armed forces, military personnel of the armed forces or contractors of the armed forces, who has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious conduct that contributes significantly to the accomplishment of the armed forces' mission, and to make such awards as the board finds suitable.