The governor, in the name of the legislative assembly of this state, may present a military medal, known as the "distinguished service medal", to any member or former member of the North Dakota national guard who in the discharge of the person's military duties has been distinguished by extraordinary heroism or devotion to duty or to a member or former member of the armed forces of the United States or the national guard of another state who performs outstanding and extraordinary service for the national guard of this state. Such medal must bear a suitable inscription and ribbon and must be of suitable military design. The award of a distinguished service medal must be made by a board of awards consisting of the adjutant general and senior officers of regiments or separate organizations of the national guard of this state. Such board must be instituted by a general order of the adjutant general's office prescribing rules and regulations for its meetings and method of procedure. Not more than one distinguished service medal may be awarded to any one person and no medals may be awarded or presented to any person whose service subsequent to the recommendations for award has not been honorable. For each succeeding citation, a person to whom a distinguished service medal has been awarded or presented previously is entitled to wear, as the adjutant general of the state may direct, a metal device attached to the ribbon of such distinguished service medal. In the event of the death of a person to whom a distinguished service medal has been awarded, the presentation must be made to the nearest of kin.