N.C. Gen. Stat. § 127A-45.4

There is hereby created the North Carolina National Guard Outstanding Civilian Service Medal which shall be of appropriate design, rosette or other device to be worn in lieu thereof, and citation certificate, of a design approved by the Governor or the Governor's designee. The Adjutant General of North Carolina is authorized to award this medal upon the recommendation of a board of officers and noncommissioned officers, appointed by the Adjutant General, to United States citizens and governmental officials who render outstanding service to the North Carolina National Guard.