History

The Defence Distinguished Service Medal was established by President Richard Nixon by Executive Order on July 9, 1970. The Gold Medal is the highest non-combat military award and is presented at the sole discretion of the Secretary of Defence. The Medal is conferred upon any high ranking Military Officer of the United States who is assigned to joint activities at the Department of Defense in recognition of service that is not already acknowledged by another award. The Medal may be awarded for acts of exceptionally meritorious service performed in a position of great and unique responsibility or for significant contributions to national defence or national security. The Medal is rarely awarded.

Additional awards of the Defence Distinguished Service Medal are denoted by an oak leaf clasp worn on the ribbon.