Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army)

The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) is a military decoration of the United States Army that is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Army, has distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility.

History

The Distinguished Service Medal was established by President Woodrow Wilson on January 2, 1918. The medal was created to recognize the exceptional service of military personnel during World War I.

Criteria

The DSM is awarded for "exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility." The performance must be such as to merit recognition for service that is clearly exceptional. Exceptional performance of normal duty will not alone justify an award of this decoration.

Appearance

The medal is a gold disc with an eagle holding a laurel wreath in its talons. The reverse of the medal has the inscription "For Distinguished Service MCMXVIII". The ribbon is predominantly blue with a wide white center stripe and a thin red stripe on each side.

Notable Recipients

Many notable military leaders have received the Distinguished Service Medal, including General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, General George S. Patton, and General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

See also

• Awards and decorations of the United States Army
• List of military decorations

References

• "Army Regulation 600-8-22: Military Awards". United States Department of the Army.
• "The Medal of Honor of the United States Army". United States Army Center of Military History.

External links

• Distinguished Service Medal information on Army.mil

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  Distinguished Service Medal

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  U.S. Army Distinguished Service Medal ribbon