Defense Distinguished Service Medal
In the year of 1970, President Richard Nixon’s executive order created one of the most modern of the major personal accomplishment awards, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. These United States military medals are issued through the Defense Department and are bestowed upon those who have demonstrated exceptionally distinguished performance of duty contributing to our national security or defense of the United States to all five branches of service. It is the highest of our peacetime medals of America, and normally is only awarded to the highest senior officers involved with joint branch activities. These military ribbons and military medals are also awarded to less senior officers whose individual contributions to national security or defense are recognized as being equivalent to contributions normally associated with more senior positions encompassing broader responsibilities.
Normally, the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chiefs and Vice Chiefs of the Services, and Commanders or Deputy Commanders of the Unified Commands who work directly with the Secretary of Defense are the officers who receive these military medals for exceptional service.
The Defense Distinguished Service Medal is worn underneath the Distinguished Service Cross of the Army, the Navy’s Navy Cross, and the Air Force’s Air Force Cross. It should be situated above the Silver Star in the general order of authorized for the proper displaying of all military honors. The Defense Distinguished Service Medal takes precedence over the Distinguished Service Medals of each separate service branch and is not awarded for the same period of service for which Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medals might be awarded. Oak Leaf Clusters are used to denote all other awards of these particular military medals.
The Defense Distinguished Service Medal is in general available as a full size military medal and mini medal, military ribbon as well as a lapel pin. Available as traditional full size military medals or mini-medals, and slide-on military ribbons, these military honors are also available in a modern, customized thin mini-medal and ultra thin military ribbon. The customized mini medal and ultra this military ribbons are being embraced more and more by those service members wanting an up-to-date look and sharp appearance. These options provide our military members with the high speed, commanding look they so deserve.