The Distinguished Service Medal is the second level of the Distinguished Service Decorations.
If the same person receives a further Distinguished Service Medal it is in the form of a nickel-silver bar.
Recipients have the post-nominals of DSM. Those awarded a bar or bars may also use ‘and Bar’ or ‘and Bars’ after their name.
The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded for distinguished leadership in action.
How it is awarded
The Distinguished Service Decorations are awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for Defence.
Distinguished Service Decorations may be awarded posthumously.
The Distinguished Service Decorations are announced in January and June each year.
History
The Distinguished Service Decorations recognise command and leadership in military action. They are awarded primarily to members of the Australian Defence Forces.
The Distinguished Service Decorations were introduced in 1991 and replaced a number of Imperial decorations.
There are three levels of decoration:
- Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
- Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)
- Commendation for Distinguished Service.
Medal design
The Distinguished Service Medal is ensigned with the Crown of St Edward in nickel-silver. The obverse has a Federation star superimposed on a circle of flames.
The medal has a nickel-silver suspender bar.
Medal ribbon
The medal ribbon has alternating vertical stripes: four silver-blue and three ochre-red.