Individual Department of Defense Decorations

Chapter 2, Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards)
25 February 1995

[ Distinguished Service | Superior Service | Meritorious Service | Joint Service Commendation ]

2-3. Defense Distinguished Service Medal

The Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM) was established by Executive Order 11545, 9 July 1970. It is awarded by the Secretary of Defense to officers of the Armed Forces of the United States whose exceptional performance of duty and contributions to national security or defense have been at the highest levels. The prescribing directive for the DDSM is DOD 1348.33-M. (Manual of Military Decorations and Awards).

2-4. Defense Superior Service Medal

The Defense Superior Service Medal (DSSM) was established by Executive Order 11904, 6 February 1976. It is awarded by the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after 6 February 1976, rendered superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility The prescribing directive for the DSSM is DOD 1348.33-M.

2-5. Defense Meritorious Service Medal

The Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM) was established by Executive Order 12019, 3 November 1977. It is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after 3 November 1977, distinguished themselves by noncombat meritorious achievement or service. The prescribing directive for the DMSM is DOD 1348.33-M.

2-6. Joint Service Commendation Medal

The Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM) was authorized by the Secretary of Defense on 25 June 1963 and implemented by DOD 1348.33-M. It is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after 1 January 1963, distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or service. The prescribing directive for the JSCM is DOD 1348.33-M.

2-7. Joint Service Achievement Medal

The Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM) was authorized by the Secretary of Defense on 3 August 1983 and implemented by DOD 1348.33-M. It is awarded in the names of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces of the United State below the grade of O-6 who, after 3 August 1983, distinguished themselves by outstanding performance of duty and meritorious achievement. The prescribing directive for the JSAM is DOD 1348.33-M.

The Purple Heart

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