Public Health Service Commendation Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)

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 Commendation Medal is awarded to any officer who has exhibited a level of profiency and dedication distinctly greater than that normally expected and which clearly sets the officer apart from his or her peers.
4. The Commendation Medal is designed to recognize high quality work in scientific, administrative, or other professional fields; the application of a a unique skill or creative imagination to the approach or solution to problems; or noteworthy technical professional contributions that are significant but in a limited area.
5. The Commendation Medal is not authorized to recognize acts of bravery or heroism.

Background:

1. Obverse
   The obverse of the silver 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 MSM has an inscribed with a 5 pointed star near the top and at the bottom are inscribed on 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, 1 " Maroon, 1/16 " White, 3/32 " Navy Blue # 2.
4. Device(s)
1. A gold 5/16 inch star ia worn the on suspension and service ribbon of the medal to denote subsequent awards.
2. 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, Commendation Medal, U.S. Public Health Service MIL-DTL-3943/113F 19 February 2019
   Ribbon, Commendation Medal, U.S. Public Health Service MIL-DTL-11589/297F 23 November 2021