§ 20-10-10 NMSA 1978

The adjutant general may award an outstanding service medal with accompanying ribbon to any person who, while serving in any capacity with or as a member of the national guard or state defense force, performs the service required or requested of him through the exertion of extra effort and in a manner that brings credit to himself, to his unit and to the state, either over a period of time or on a specific occasion.