| Country: |
United States |
| Established: |
2 January 1918, by President Woodrow Wilson |
| Criteria: |
The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) was awarded
by the President of the United States on the recommendation of
the proper commanding officer but not in
the name of Congress. It was accorded
to an officer or enlisted man "who shall
hereafter distinguish himself or who shall
within three years prior to the approval of
this act have distinguished himself by exceptionally
meritorious service to the government
in a duty of great responsibility,
or by extraordinary heroism in the line of
his profession." An Act of Congress on 9 July 1918 recognized the need for different types and degrees of heroism and meritorious service and included such provisions for award criteria. |
| Notes: |
Among the first recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal for service in World War I, were the Commanding Officers of the Allied Armies: Marshals Foch and Joffre, General Petain of France, Field Marshal Haig of Great Britain, General Diaz of Italy, General Gillain of Belgium, and General Pershing.
World War I recipients: 1,881 |
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