The Distinguished Public Service Medal, formerly the Department of the Army Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service was established by directive of the
Secretary of the Army
The secretary of the Army (SA or SECARMY) is a senior civilian official within the United States Department of Defense, with statutory responsibility for all matters relating to the United States Army: manpower, personnel, reserve affairs, insta ...
in May 1956. This award consists of a gold medal, lapel button and certificate. This award recognizes distinguished service toward the accomplishment of the Army's mission.
Eligibility
The Secretary of the Army awards this decoration to those who provide distinguished service that makes a substantial contribution to the accomplishment of the Army's missions. Eligible individuals include, employees of the
Federal Government
A federation (also known as a federal state) is a political entity characterized by a union of partially self-governing provinces, states, or other regions under a central federal government (federalism). In a federation, the self-governin ...
, officials at the
policy development
Policy is a deliberate system of guidelines to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes. A policy is a statement of intent and is implemented as a procedure or protocol. Policies are generally adopted by a governance body within an organ ...
level, Army
contractors, and technical personnel who serve the Army in an advisory capacity or as consultants. Army civilian employees are not eligible, as they are eligible for Department of the Army Honorary Awards, nor are military personnel.
Description
The Distinguished Public Service Medal is a gold disc 40 mm in height and 36.5 mm in width, with a laurel wreath on the lower half of the rim representing non-military service. Superimposed on the disc is an equilateral triangle which symbolizes the civilian. Displayed on the triangle is the eagle of the
Great Seal of the United States. The reverse of the medal bears the inscription ''AWARDED TO''...''FOR DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES ARMY''. The medal is suspended by a white ribbon 35 mm in width. The edges of the ribbon have thin stripes of white, ultramarine blue, white, and old glory red.
See also
*
Department of the Army Civilian Awards
*
Awards and decorations of the United States government
Awards and decorations of the United States government are civilian awards of the U.S. federal government which are typically issued for sustained meritorious service, in a civilian capacity, while serving in the U.S. federal government. Certain ...
References
{{US Army
Awards and decorations of the United States Department of Defense
Awards established in 1956
1956 establishments in the United States