The tiny garland, to be worn four inches above the end of the right sleeve, is only one feature of the story about Lieutenant General Brehon Somervell's decision to establish a meritorious service unit award. As Chief, Army Service Forces, he liked the handsomely inlaid wooden plaque presented to a service unit overseas by Lieutenant General Mark Clark for outstanding accomplishment in keeping supplies moving to the front lines. A replica of the plaque was sent to General Somervell for his headquarters in the Pentagon.

Now, service units in this country and abroad may receive a 14-inch wooden plaque, decorated with a green laurel wreath and the words "Service—Award of Merit." Organizations with less than forty officers and men (or women) are not eligible for the award. Only one plaque may be given to the same group, golden stars being attached to the shield, if the company merits another citation.

Regiments, battalions, companies,  corps and divisions may qualify for this award, provided they are service segments of the Army, on the basis of superior performance of assignments, outstanding devotion to duty, or carrying out exceptionally difficult tasks. The award will probably be won most often for achievement and maintenance of  a high standard of discipline based on superior military courtesy; appearance of personnel, installations, and equipment; enthusiastic execution of orders; good health rate; low number of men AWOL or convicted by court martial.