The commander in chief of the national guard of this state may issue an order providing suitable service medals or ribbons or marks of distinction for all officers and enlisted members who have served in the national guard for an aggregate period of five, ten, twenty, thirty, and forty years, respectively, and for a like service thereafter or for service on active duty with the armed forces of the United States. Such service medals or ribbons may also be awarded to any member of the armed forces of the United States who shall serve in an active duty capacity with the North Dakota national guard for a period of two or more years.
N.D.C.C. § 37-01-09