History

The Distinguished Service Medal was introduced on 15 January 1991 and is awarded to recognise distinguished leadership in action. The Medal can be awarded to military personnel of all ranks. A total of 152 Distinguished Service Medals have been awarded.

The obverse of the medal features the Federation Star superimposed over a background of flames. The Crown of St. Edward is affixed to the top of the medal and attaches to a plain suspension bar. The reverse of the medal features fluted rays and a blank panel for the recipient’s name. The ribbon has alternating red and white stripes.

If a recipient receives an additional award, it comes in the form of a nickel-silver bar that attaches to the ribbon. The bar features the Federation Star superimposed over rows of flame. When the ribbon is worn alone, a bar is denoted with the addition of a Federation Star emblem.

Recipient’s of the award are entitled to use the postnominal letters ‘DSM’.