The North Carolina National Guard Distinguished Service Ribbon honors North Carolina National Guard members who carry out exceptionally commendable service and exemplary conduct.
The North Carolina National Guard is composed of the North Carolina Army National Guard and the North Carolina Air National Guard, numbering approximately 12,000 soldiers and airmen.The Army component is among the oldest in the country, dating back to a state militia formed through the Carolina Charter in 1663; it is headquartered in Raleigh. The Air component was formed in 1948 with the 156th Fighter Squadron and is currently based in Raleigh as well.
The ribbon features a thin vertical line of gray in the center on the right next to one of yellow on the left; a thick white stripe, thin red stripe, and thick blue stripe follow proceeding outward on each side.
