History
The Distinguished Service Medal was established on 15 January 1991 by Letters Patent as the second of the three Distinguished Service Decorations, between the Distinguished Service Cross and the Commendation for Distinguished Service. It is awarded for distinguished leadership in warlike operations; as with the Cross, the original criterion of in action was amended in 2011 to in warlike operations.
Where the Cross tends to recognise those who command an operation, the Medal reaches the leaders within it. Awards are announced in the Australia Day and King's Birthday honours lists, no quotas apply, the medal may be awarded posthumously, and foreign defence force members serving with the Australian Defence Force may receive it with their government's concurrence.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The Distinguished Service Medal is a circular nickel-silver medal ensigned with the Crown of Saint Edward. The obverse bears a Federation Star superimposed on a circle of flames; the reverse has a panel for the recipient's details over a design of fluted rays of varying lengths. The medal hangs from a nickel-silver suspender bar.
The ribbon
Alternating silver-blue and ochre-red stripes, four and three.
The ribbon has alternating vertical stripes of silver-blue and ochre-red: four silver-blue and three ochre-red.
Clasps
A further award of the medal is denoted by a bar worn on the ribbon.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for Defence, for distinguished leadership in warlike operations.
- All ranks are eligible, quotas do not apply, and the medal may be awarded posthumously;
- Foreign defence force members serving on exchange or posting with the Australian Defence Force may be awarded the medal with the prior concurrence of their government;
- Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal DSM, with and Bar added for a further award.
Order of wear
The decoration is worn among the gallantry and distinguished service decorations, interleaved with the Imperial awards of equivalent standing. The precise neighbours in the order of wear should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Distinguished Service Medal awarded for?
Distinguished leadership in warlike operations. It is the second of the three Australian distinguished service decorations, between the Distinguished Service Cross and the Commendation for Distinguished Service.
How does it differ from the Distinguished Service Cross?
The Cross recognises distinguished command and leadership; the Medal recognises distinguished leadership. In practice the Cross tends to go to those commanding operations and the Medal to leaders within them.
Is it the same as the Imperial DSM?
No. The Imperial Distinguished Service Medal was a Royal Navy gallantry medal for ratings. The Australian medal of 1991 is a leadership award for all Services and ranks.
Can any rank receive it?
Yes. No rank restrictions or quotas apply, and the medal may be awarded posthumously.
Can foreign personnel receive it?
Yes. Foreign defence force members serving on exchange or posting with the ADF may receive it with the prior concurrence of their government.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
Yes: DSM, with and Bar for a further award.