- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 9 July 1970
- Country: United States
The Defense Distinguished Service Medal is a prestigious military decoration conferred by the United States Department of Defense. It is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces in recognition of their exceptionally distinguished performance of duty, which significantly contributes to the national security or defense of the United States.
Established on July 9, 1970, by President Richard Nixon through Executive Order 11545, the first medal was presented on the same day to General Earle Wheeler. General Wheeler, retiring from the US Army after serving as Chief of Staff of the United States Army and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, received this honor in acknowledgment of his exemplary service.
The Defense Distinguished Service Medal Design
The medal displays a gold hue, with its obverse showcasing a medium blue enameled pentagon with its point facing upwards. Overlaid on this pentagon is an American bald eagle with outspread wings facing left, clutching three crossed arrows in its talons, and bearing a shield of the United States on its breast.
Encircling the pentagon and eagle is a gold segmented circle adorned with 13 five-pointed stars in the upper half and a wreath of laurel on the left and olive on the right in the lower half. Suspended from the top is a five graduated gold rays suspender.
On the reverse side, the inscription “For Distinguished Service” is prominently raised at the top, while within the pentagon, the inscription “FROM THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE TO” is also raised. Additional awards of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal are represented by oak leaf clusters.
