The governor is hereby authorized, upon recommendation of the adjutant general of Missouri, to present, in the name of the state of Missouri, a meritorious service medal, which shall be of suitable design, as may be determined by the governor, to individuals who have done and performed valorous or meritorious military service which reflects honorably and creditably upon the state of Missouri. Not more than one meritorious military service 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 service subsequent to the valorous or meritorious military service shall not have been honorable. In the event of the death of any person during or subsequent to the meritorious military service, who, in the opinion of the governor, as recommended by the adjutant general of Missouri, would be entitled to a meritorious military service medal, the same may be presented to the surviving primary next of kin.