The Legion of Merit, established by Act of Congress on 20 July 1942 and amended by Executive Order on 29 October 1942 and 15 March 1955, is awarded to a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or a friendly foreign nation who has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. Performance of duties normal to the grade, branch, specialty, assignment or experience of an individual is not an adequate basis for this award. Justification for this award may accrue by the virtue of exceptionally meritorious service in a succession of important positions. In peacetime, the service should be in the nature of a special requirement or of an exceptionally difficult duty performed in a clearly exceptional manner.