The Indiana National Guard Commendation Medal may be awarded to any commissioned officer or enlisted person of the militia and other officers, enlisted persons, and civilians, who have distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or meritorious service. The required meritorious achievement or meritorious service while of lesser degree than that required for the award of the Indiana distinguished service medal must have been accomplished with distinction. The award may be made for acts of outstanding courage that do not meet the requirements for award of the Indiana distinguished service medal.