Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal

BACK DEVICE(s) None

Description:

1. On 8 September 1976 the Assistant Secretary for Health, Theodore Cooper, expanded the Commisioned Officers Awards Program by authorizing the establishment of medals and ribbons as part of the program. Initially only three medals were established; the Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the Commendation Medal. The program has been expanded throughout the years and consists of fifteen indiviual awards and two unit awards.
2. Authorized in Commissioned Corps Instruction 511.01 dated 19 January 2021 Amended 7 November 2022
3. The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) is awarded to any officer of the Public Health Service who has made outstanding contributions to the mission of the PHS. The achievement or service may range from the management of a major health program, to inititive resulting in a major impact on the health of the nation.
4. The DSM may be awarded for a one-time heroic act resulting in a great saving of life, health, or property.

Background:

1. Obverse
   The obverse of the gold finished medal features the Commisioned Officer's insignia surrounded by the inscription "PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE" in a curved line above and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" in a curved line below the insignia.
2. Reverse
   The reverse of earlier medals of the DSM has an inscribed 5 pointed star near the top and at the bottom are inscribed two curved lines "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH" stacked above "EDUCATION AND WELFARE", whereas current issues have a smooth blank reverse.
3. Ribbon
   The drape and the ribbon are 1 3/8" in width and designed in the layout of 3/32 " Navy Blue # 2, 1/16 " White, 3/8 " Maroon, 1/4 " Yellow, 3/8 " Maroon, 1/16 " White, 3/32 " Navy Blue # 2.
   
4. Device(s)
1. When awarded for a heroic act at the risk of the officer's life, a bronze "V" device is worn centered on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal.
2. A gold 5/16 inch star ia worn the on suspension and service ribbon of the medal to denote subsequent awards.
3. A silver 5/16 inch star in lieu of 5 gold stars.
5. Information from
   The Call of Duty : Military Awards and Decorations of the United States of America by John E. Strandberg
   Decoration, Distinguished Service Medal, U.S. Public Health Service MIL-D-3943/111B 24 June 1994
   Decoration, Distinguished Service Medal, U.S. Public Health Service MIL-D-3943/111G 16 March 2020
   Ribbon, Distinguished Service Medal, U.S. Public Health Service MIL-DTL-11589/298F 07 January 2020