History

The Malietoa Tanumafili II Distinguished Service Order was instituted by the Legislative Assembly of Western Samoa by the Merit Act on May 28, 1992. It was conferred upon Western Samoan citizens, or foreigners in the form of an Honorary Award, in recognition of exceptional acts of bravery taken to protect life, order, or national welfare during times of emergency. It may have been awarded posthumously.

Membership was limited to 15 living members. Members were entitled to use the post-nominal letters MTIIDSO.

The award was accompanied with a certificate and a monetary payment of $1500.

The award was discontinued in 1999 with the passage of the Honours and Awards Act 1999. Its status is still officially recognized.

There is limited information regarding this item.