- Time Period: The Great War
- Institution: January 2, 1918
- Country: United States
The Distinguished Service Medal is a United States Army military award given to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States military, has distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. The performance must be clearly exceptional.
The Distinguished Service Medal is one of the highest military decorations awarded by the United States Armed Forces. It is typically bestowed upon high-ranking military officers, senior government officials, and individuals who have made exceptional achievements in their respective fields.
The Distinguished Service Medal represents the highest recognition for extraordinary service and dedication to the nation.
The Distinguished Service Medal Design
The medal measures 1 ½ inches in diameter and bears the inscription “FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MCMXVIII”.
The obverse of the Distinguished Service Medal shows the Coat of Arms of the United States in gold surrounded by a circle of Dark Blue enamel. On the reverse is a scroll for the engraved name of the recipient upon a trophy of flags and weapons.
More than 2,000 awards were made during World War I.
Buy a Distinguished Service Medal
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Note 2: It’s unlikely you will find this medal in second-hand stores, but I’ve added a box below in case one shows up.
