Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Criteria:
The Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM) is presented to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces, while serving with the Department of Defense, who distinguishes themselves with exceptional performance of duty contributing to national security or defense of the United States. Created on July 9th, 1970 by President Richard Nixon’s Executive Order 11545, the medals is typically awarded to senior officers such as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chief and Vice Chiefs of the military services and other personnel whose duties bring them in direct and frequent contact with the Secretary of Defense, Deputy Secretary of Defense or other senior government officials.
