- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 29 July 1959
- Country: United States
The NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal is the highest honor NASA awards to anyone who was not a government employee when the service was performed whose distinguished service, ability, or vision
has personally contributed to NASA’s advancement of United States’ interests.
The medal is awarded for:
“Distinguished accomplishments [that] contributed substantially to the NASA mission. The contribution must be so extraordinary that other forms of recognition would be inadequate.”
NASA’s most prestigious honor awards are approved by the administrator and presented to a number of carefully selected individuals and groups of individuals, both government and non-government, who have distinguished themselves by making outstanding contributions to the agency’s mission.
The NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal Design
The medal is struck in bronze gilt and measures 44.5 mm by 48.5 mm.
It bears the inscription “PUBLIC SERVICE” on the reverse.
The ribbon is blue, with light-blue and yellow thinner stripes towards the edges.