Distinguished Service Medal - DoD

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These devices were added in March 2017

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

These devices are included in DoD Inst 1348.33 series. Check your specific service regulations.

Example of ribbon placement (IF only "R", "C", or "V" is authorized - it is centered)

Description:

1. Authorized by E.O. 11545
2. Awarded by the Secretary of Defense to any military officer of the United States who, while assigned to a joint staff or activity, distinguishes himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service in a position of unique and great responsibility. It shall not be awarded to any officer, for a period of service for which a Service Distinguished Service Medal, or similar decoration, has been awarded.
3. The DDSM shall only be awarded to officers of the Armed Forces of the United States whose exceptional performance of duty and contributions to national security or defense have been at the highest levels. Such officers have direct and ultimate responsibility for a major activity or program that significantly influences the policies of the U.S. Government. Only under the most unusual circumstances will the DDSM be awarded as an impact award for outstanding TDY achievement. The DDSM is specifically intended to recognize exceptionally distinguished service and to honor an individual’s accomplishments over a sustained period.
4. The DDSM, as the highest Defense decoration, may only be awarded by the Secretary of Defense. Under no circumstances may the awarding authority be delegated. e. The DDSM shall be placed in precedence after the MOH and the Distinguished Service Crosses of the Armed Forces, but before the Distinguished Service Medals of the Armed Forces.
5. All recommendations for award of the DDSM to members of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or the Unified Combatant Command Headquarters or activities reporting to or through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall be processed through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for recommendation. These recommendations shall not be boarded at the Joint Staff level. The Director, Joint Staff, for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall forward his recommendations to the-Chief, Military Personnel Division, Personnel and Security Directorate, WHS, for boarding and processing. Recommendations should be submitted to arrive at the Joint Staff no later than 90 days before the desired presentation date.
6. All other recommendations for award of the DDSM shall be submitted to the Chief, Military Personnel Division, Personnel and Security Directorate, Washington Headquarters Services (WHS), for boarding and processing. Recommendations should be submitted to the WHS no later than 90 days before the desired presentation date.
7. As of March 2017
   The DSM may be awarded with the “C” device to recognize exceptionally meritorious service or achievement performed under combat conditions on or after January 7, 2016. The award narrative must clearly show that the nominee was personally exposed to hostile action, or was at significant risk of exposure to hostile action:
   (a) While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
   (b) While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
   (c) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.