TheHomeland Security Distinguished Service Medal is amilitary decoration of the Department of Homeland Security, which is presented to United States Armed Forces service members for exceptionally meritorious service. The current version of the medal was established in February 2003, retroactive to March 1, 2002.[2]
The decoration was originally established as theTransportation Distinguished Service Medal byExecutive Order12824, signed by PresidentGeorge H. W. Bush on December 7, 1992. On February 28, 2003, PresidentGeorge W. Bush signedExecutive Order13286, which, among other things, replaced the Transportation version of the award with the Homeland Security version retroactively to March 1, 2002. On April 5, 2011, PresidentBarack Obama amended Executive Order 12824, as amended, modifying the award eligibility from "a member of the Coast Guard" to "any member of the Armed Forces of the United States".[3]
As adistinguished service medal, this decoration is one of the highest awards that can be bestowed upon a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.[1]
The award would be worn after theMedal of Honor,Distinguished Service Cross,Navy Cross,Air Force Cross, andCoast Guard Cross and, for members of the Coast Guard, before theDefense Distinguished Service Medal and any of the service-specific Distinguished Service Medals from the other armed services. For members of all the other military services, the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal is worn before the service-specific DSMs but after the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. The medal may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States.[1]
Media related toHomeland Security Distinguished Service Medal at Wikimedia Commons
.svg)
