Distinguished Service Medal

DSM - DISTINGSHD SVC MDL 8455-00-269-5758

Eligibility Requirements

T he Distinguished Service Medal established by Act of Congress 9 July 1918 Section 6243 of title 10, U.S.C. (reference (eee)).  The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself/herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a duty of great responsibility. To justify this decoration, an exceptional performance of duty, clearly above that normally expected, which has contributed materially to the success of a major command or project, is required. In general, the Distinguished Service Medal will be awarded only to those officers in principal commands at sea or in the field whose service is such as to justify the award. However, this shall not be interpreted to preclude the award of the Distinguished Service Medal to any individual whose service meets the requirements. If there is any doubt as to the degree of service involved, the Legion of Merit is the more appropriate award.

Medal

Device

Precedence

Sample Citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL

LIEUTENANT GENERAL JOHN A. DOE

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

F or exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility while serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. from August 1990 through July 1993. Lieutenant General Doe was a strong and visionary force in the continued modernization of Marine Aviation. Under his guidance, near term warfighting enhancements such as the Medium Lift Replacement Aircraft, the ongoing development of the V-22 Osprey Aircraft, the AV-8B Remanufacturing Program, the CH-46 Dynamic Component Improvement Program, and the ongoing introduction of the F/A-18D Aircraft have continued full force. He has focused long term efforts on such programs as the Short Take Off and Vertical Landing Strike Fighter, the Marine Fixed Wing Attack Observer and the Heavy Lift Replacement Aircraft, ensuring Marine Aviation's viability into the future. Through his actions, Lieutenant General Doe had a direct impact on the overall success of the Aviation Combat Element in Operation DESERT STORM. Numerous air-to-ground weapons and aircraft weapons systems were accelerated through flight clearances, providing an increased effectiveness and flexibility to aviation and ground commanders during the campaign. His contributions had a direct and positive impact on Marine Air Ground Task Force's ability to engage and soundly defeat the enemy. By his superior leadership, outstanding professionalism, and deep devotion to duty, Lieutenant General Doe reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

For the President, Secretary of the Navy