History

The Indian Distinguished Service Medal was established by Royal Warrant on June 25, 1907. The Medal was amended a number of times before it was permanently discontinued following the establishment of Indian independence in 1947.

The Medal was originally awarded to Commissioned Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and enlisted men of the Indian Army, the Indian Army Reserve, the border militia, military police, and other imperial service troops in recognition of acts of distinguished service. In 1917, it was extended to all non-combatants attached to combat forces. In 1929, it was extended to Warrant Officers, Petty Officers and enlisted men of the Indian Marine, and in 1940 it was extended to Warrant Officers and enlisted men of the Indian Air Force. Later in 1944, it was extended to personnel of the Hong Kong and Singapore Royal Artillery.

From 1917 onwards, the Medal could be awarded multiple times to the same recipient in which case a bar clasp was worn on the ribbon to denote each additional award.

Recipients were entitled to use the post-nominal letters IDSM after 1942.

There are a number of different versions of the Medal which differ by the obverse engraving and inscription. All medals were issued named, although the style of both the typeface and impression have varied over time.

There may be additional versions that differ in size.