The Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Distinguished Service (or Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri Üstün Hizmet Madalyası n Turkish) was first created on July 27, 1967 (although it took its current form on July 29, 1983).
During war or peace, the medal is bestowed upon individuals whose contributions to the strengthening of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) have been extraordinarily high, serving national interests with exemplary determination and contributing greatly to the prestige and strength of the TAF.
This can encompass any military, scientific, material, or administrative contribution, in or outside the territory of the Republic of Turkey.
The medal can be given to civilians or soldiers, regardless of nationality. It is bestowed by any of the Commanders of the four main branches of the TAF (the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, or the Gendarmerie).
The Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Distinguished Service Design
The medal is struck in bronze and measures 60 mm wide. It has five large and five small stars on dark blue background circling an insignia of a crescent moon and a star on red background (the symbol of the Turkish flag) pointing upwards.
