The Silver Order of Mercury (SOM) Award recognizes those SCRA members who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence and selflessness. It will be awarded to those select few who stand above their peers and have made conspicuous long-term significant contributions to BOTH the Signal Regiment and the Signal Corps Regimental Association (SCRA).

Medal:

This award is a Silver medallion, suspended from a ribbon to be worn around the neck.  Silver, a precious metal, represents the second highest award for service in the Signal Corps Regimental Association.

Front of Medal:  The figure in the center is the Greek mythological figure of Hermes, also known as “Mercury” distinguished by his winged sandals, a winged hat, and the caduceus, as staff entwined with serpents, shown in motion embodying his role as the “Messenger of the Gods.  The figure is standing on a globe representing the global nature of communications and a banner inscribed with “certa” and “ceto” meaning “Swift and Sure”. Inscribed with the words US Army Signal Corps Regimental Association across the top and “ORDER OF MERCRUY” along the bottom. 

Back of Medal: Imprinted with the awardee name and serial number of the award, surrounded in the laurel wreath of victory. 

Ribbon: The award is suspended from an orange ribbon with a white stripe in the center, representing the regimental colors of the US Army Signal Regiment.

Purpose: 

The Silver Order of Mercury (SOM) Award recognizes those SCRA members who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence and selflessness. It is awarded to those select few who stand above their peers and have made conspicuous long-term significant contributions to BOTH the Signal Regiment and the Signal Corps Regimental Association (SCRA).  As a service award, length and level of service is a significant factor when considering candidates for this award.

Criteria: 

• Documented conspicuous, long-term service impacting the entire Signal Corps Regimental Association
• Have been previously awarded the Bronze Order of Mercury
• Demonstrate numerous recognizable acts of significant service which promote the SCRA and by extension, the Signal Regiment.
• Be a current active SCRA member and affiliated with a local chapter or the SCRA Online Chapter
• Be of outstanding moral character and demonstrate the qualities of a professional Signal Corps Professional. 
• Maintain an active SCRA membership for decades prior to the submission of the recommendation
• Nomination must be submitted by a separate member, who is an active member of the SCRA

– Examples of activities which may be considered:

• • Serve at the National Board Level and/or on National Level Committees
  • Serve as Chapter President or a Chapter Officer in Local Chapter(s)
  • Stand up a New SCRA Chapter(s) as a Charter Officer
  • Reinitiate a SCRA Chapter and serve as a Key Leader during the process for a chapter(s)
  • Organize and host a Signal Ball multiple times or in multiple locations
  • Serve as a guest speaker representing SCRA at numerous events in the local area
  • Hosting Events including social events, membership drives, Signal Balls, Orange Calls, Christmas events, Hail and Fairwells, etc, fundraising events promoting SCRA and representing the Signal Regiment
  • Volunteer as a board member of SCRA Chapter boards at several chapters
  • Hosting significant or routine learning events, LPDs, Brown Bag lunches, Certification training, panels, or any additional informational events that benefits members of SCRA
  • Serve as a Panel Member at conferences or events representing the SCRA and the Signal Regiment
  • Volunteering for charity programs or events that benefits members of SCRA, the local community, or the Military
  • Publish Papers, Articles, or Products in Reputable publications regarding the Signal Regiment or SCRA
  • Serve as a designated mentor to both chapter leaders and SCRA members

• A Multiple number of the above examples or other Significant contributions are expected of a SOM awardee.

Approval Process:

• Nominator documents achievements for submission
• Nominator confers with the local chapter and the candidate to confirm if they have previous awards
• Nominator confirms the candidate is an active SCRA member and confirms SCRA member number
• Nominator submits award recommendation through the local chapter process or coordinates with the National Awards Coordinator for direct submission to National Awards Committee
  • EXAMPLE NOMINATION: Nomination for SOM Award
• Chapter Leaders processes the award nomination through the National Awards Coordinator
• Nominator or Chapter Officer submit justification and proposed citation via the SCRA Webpage detailing service of the candidate
  • EXAMPLE CITATION:  Citation for SOM Award
• Once approved by National Headquarters, select the medal options and purchase through the awards store links provided by the National Awards Coordinator

Presentation of the Award:

• Awards should be presented at the earliest opportunity in an appropriate setting.
• Chapter Presidents should present the awards when possible.
• Presenters should make every effort to make the presentation professional and memorable (read a citation, take photos, etc.).
• Appropriate Settings include Signal Balls, Award Ceremonies, Retirement Ceremonies, Change of Command/Responsibility, Chapter Awards Banquets, or Orange Calls. 

We cannot accept award submissions via email. The application below is the ONLY method to nominate someone for this award. 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact:

Mrs. Morgan Wieckowski
awards@signalcorps.org