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Defense Distinguished Service Medal

 The Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM) is the highest Defense/Joint peacetime award. The DDSM was established by President Richard Nixon under Executive Order 11545 dated July 9, 1970.

 This decoration is awarded by the Secretary of Defense. It is awarded to the most senior officers who perform exceptionally meritorious service in a degree of great responsibility with the Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Joint Chiefs of Staff, special or outstanding command in a Defense agency, or for any other joint activities designated by the Secretary of Defense. It is awarded infrequently.

 Eligibility Requirements and Criteria: Awarded by the Secretary of Defense to any officer of the U.S. Armed Forces 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. Award for exceptionally meritorious service is generally for a period of time greater than 12 months and encompassing an individual's entire joint assignment, including any extensions. The DDSM shall not be awarded to any officer for a period of service for which a Military Department's Distinguished Service Medal, or similar decoration, has been awarded.

 The DDSM shall only be awarded to officers of the U.S. Armed Forces 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. Contributions normally require a direct working relationship with the most senior officials in the Federal Government (e.g., Secretary of Defense, Deputy Secretary of Defense, or Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff). 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.

 Normally, such broad responsibilities shall be held by only the most senior officers whose duties bring them into direct and frequent contact with the Secretary of Defense and other senior officials within the Government. Examples of such officials are the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; the Secretaries of the Military Departments, and the Chiefs and Vice Chiefs of the Military Services

 The DDSM may be awarded to other senior officers who serve in positions of great responsibility, or to an officer whose direct and individual contributions to national security or defense are recognized as being so exceptional in scope and value as to be equivalent to contributions normally associated with positions encompassing broader responsibilities.

 Defense awards, including the DDSM, may be awarded posthumously. When so awarded, they may be presented to an appropriate representative of the deceased, as determined by the awarding authority.

 The DDSM is awarded only to officers of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Category of Award: Defense/Joint Personal Performance Award

Begin Date: July 9, 1970.

End Date: Still Current

Devices: Bronze/Silver Oak Leaf Clusters, if applicable.

References:
DoD Manual 1348.33-M, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards, Pages 25-26.
DoD Manual 1348.33, Volume 1, Manual of Military Decorations & Awards, Pages 38 to 40, and Page 62.
AR 600-8-22, Army Regulation, Military Awards, Page 20.

Note: Medal image is Miniature Medal size.

Page updated October 21, 2016

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