United States of America: Defence Distinguished Service Medal on an unmarked crimp brooch.
Condition: Extremely Fine T
The Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM) is a military decoration of the United States Department of Defense. It is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility contributing to the national security or defense of the United States. The medal was established on July 9, 1970, by President Richard Nixon in Executive Order 11545. The first award was presented to General Earle Wheeler upon his retirement after service as Chief of Staff of the United States Army and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The Defense Distinguished Service Medal is the highest precedence joint personal military decoration awarded by the Department of Defense. It is equivalent in stature to the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal awarded by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
