Mo. Rev. Stat. § 41.572
The governor is hereby authorized, upon recommendation of the adjutant general of Missouri, to present, in the name of the state of Missouri, a legion of merit medal, which shall be of suitable design, as may be determined by the governor, to individuals who have exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding military service and achievement reflecting honorably and creditably upon the state of Missouri. Not more than one Missouri legion of merit medal shall be awarded or presented under the provisions of this section to any one person, nor shall such medal be awarded to or retained by any person whose entire military service subsequent to the exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding military service and achievement shall not have been honorable. In the event of the death of any person during or subsequent to the exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding military service and achievement who, in the opinion of the governor, as recommended by the adjutant general of Missouri, would be entitled to a legion of merit medal, the same may be presented to the surviving primary next of kin.
§ 41.572, RSMo