History
The Commendation for Distinguished Service was established on 15 January 1991 by Letters Patent as the third level of the Distinguished Service Decorations. It is awarded for the distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations: the staff officer whose planning holds an operation together, the specialist whose work under pressure is felt across a task group, the leader whose contribution stands out short of the levels set for the Medal and the Cross.
Awards are announced in the Australia Day and King's Birthday honours lists. Like its siblings the Commendation carries no quotas and no rank restrictions, may be awarded posthumously, and may be awarded to foreign defence force members serving with the Australian Defence Force with their government's concurrence.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The insignia of the Commendation for Distinguished Service is a Federation Star in nickel-silver superimposed on a row of flames that taper at each end, mounted directly on the ribbon. A miniature of the insignia is worn on the ribbon bar.
The ribbon
A plain ochre-red ribbon carrying the Federation Star on tapering flames.
The insignia is mounted on a ribbon of plain ochre-red, the colour of the distinguished service decorations.
Eligibility
The Commendation is awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for Defence, for the distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations.
- All ranks are eligible, quotas do not apply, and the Commendation may be awarded posthumously;
- Second and subsequent Commendations are made by warrant describing the separate action being recognised, and are denoted by additional insignia attached to the ribbon above the insignia of previous awards;
- There is no post-nominal for the Commendation for Distinguished Service.
Order of wear
The commendations are worn after the medals for gallantry, bravery and distinguished service, immediately before the war and campaign medals. The precise neighbours in the order of wear should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Commendation for Distinguished Service awarded for?
The distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations. It is the third level of the Australian distinguished service decorations.
Is it a medal?
It is a decoration in the form of an insignia: a nickel-silver Federation Star on a row of flames that taper at each end, mounted on a plain ochre-red ribbon, with a miniature worn on the ribbon bar.
How is a second award shown?
Second and subsequent Commendations are made by warrant describing the separate action, and are denoted by additional insignia attached to the ribbon above the earlier insignia. No additional insignia are added to the ribbon bar.
How does it differ from the Commendation for Gallantry?
The Commendation for Gallantry recognises acts of gallantry in action and is worn on plain orange. This Commendation recognises the distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations and is worn on plain ochre-red.
Can any rank receive it?
Yes. No rank restrictions or quotas apply, it may be awarded posthumously, and foreign defence force members serving with the ADF may receive it with their government's concurrence.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.