The Meritorious Service Medal is the highest award that can be granted to life, ordinary, associate or affiliate voting members.  The award may be recommended by a branch, a zone, a district or a command (Provincial or Dominion).  Only the most deserving are recommended for the M.S.M.  The M.S.M. is usually awarded after the member has received all of the lesser awards.  The Dominion Ritual and Awards Committee has the responsibility of approving this award.

In granting the Meritorious Service Medal, the committee considers the following.

• How long has this member been a continuous member of the Legion?
• What has this member done to be set apart from other members of the Legion at the recommending level, and which contribution is considered to be above and beyond that which may be expected of any devoted member?
• Has the member made an unusual personal sacrifice which has brought great credit to the Legion and to the community, or which has enhanced the prestige of The Royal Canadian Legion in the community.
• Have the services rendered by this member been so much above those of any other member that it is felt these services can only be recognized by granting of the Legion's highest honour?

For continued outstanding service after the member is awarded the M.S.M., the member may be awarded a Palm Leaf to be affixed to the Meritorious Service Medal.  The criteria for awarding the Palm Leaf is the same as the M.S.M.