Home > Awards Home > Air Force Awards > Air Force Defense Distinguished Service Medal

Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

 The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal was created by an act of congress and is awarded to members of the United States Air Force who distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility, in combat or otherwise.

Criteria: The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal was intended as a new decoration of the United States Air Force to replace the policy of awarding the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Air Force personnel. The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to any member of the United States Air Force who has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States Government in a duty of great responsibility. The medal is typically awarded to senior Air Force generals.

Description: The blue stone in the center represents the vault of the heavens; the 13 stars represent the original colonies and man's chain of achievements. The sunburst represents the glory that accompanies great achievements, and the rays depict man's quest for light and knowledge.
The ribbon is predominantly white, and banded in old gold, with ultramarine stripes and smaller old-gold stripes.

Category of Award: Personal Performance Award

Device(s): Oak Leaf Clusters (if applicable)

References:
DoD Manual 1348.33, Volume 1, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards. Page 63.
Air Force Instruction 36-2803, The Air Force Awards and Decorations Program, Pages 72 to 74.

Note: Medal image is Miniature Medal size.

Page updated October 21, 2016

U.S. Air Force
Ribbons and Medals
Order of Precedence: