Defense Superior Service Medal

In the year 1976 President Ford issued an Executive Order creating the Defense Superior Service Medal as one of the Defense Department awarded American medals. These US military medals are presented by the Department of Defense as a senior award to members of the U.S. military for superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility. These military medals are generally awarded to flag and general officer grades in each of the five branches of service in the name of the Secretary of Defense.
In the general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all military awards, the Defense Superior Service Medal is worn just below the Silver Star and just above the Legion of Merit. These military ribbons and medals use the same design as the Defense Distinguished Service Medals, but are finished in silver instead of gold.