Distinguished Service
Distinguished Service Cross

Distinguished Service Cross

The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) was introduced in 1991 and is awarded for distinguished command and leadership in action. As with gallantry decorations, distinguished service decorations are not specific to rank, but because the DSC is for “command” in action, it is more likely that the DSC will be awarded to officers.
Insignia

The DSC is a modified Maltese Cross of nickel-silver with the obverse having a central device of the Federation Star on a disc of flames. The reverse has a panel for recipient details.
Ribbon

The DSC ribbon has a central stripe of ochre-red flanked by silver-blue stripes.
Further Awards

A further award of the DSC is denoted by a nickel-silver bar with the Federation Star superimposed on a horizontal row of flames. When the ribbon is worn alone, the award of a bar is indicated by the addition of a ribbon bar emblem in the form of a nickel-silver Federation Star.
Postnominal

Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross are entitled to the postnominal letters ‘DSC’. Recipients of a bar to the DSC add ‘and Bar’ to the postnominal.

Distinguished Service Medal

Distinguished Service Medal

The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) was introduced in 1991 and is awarded for distinguished leadership in action.
Medal

The DSM is a nickel-silver medal with a Federation Star on a circle of flames on the obverse. The reverse has a panel for recipient detail over a design of fluted rays of varying lengths.
Ribbon

The DSM ribbon has alternating stripes of silver-blue and ochre-red.
Further Awards

A further award of the DSM is denoted by a nickel- silver bar with the Federation Star on a horizontal row of flames. When the ribbon is worn alone, the award of a bar is indicated by a ribbon bar emblem in the form of a Federation Star on a nickel-silver disc.
Postnominal

Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal are entitled to the postnominal letters ‘DSM’. Recipients of a bar to the DSM add ‘and Bar’ to the postnominal.

Commendation for Distinguished Service

Commendation for Distinguished Service

The Commendation for Distinguished Service was introduced in 1991 and is awarded for distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations.
Insignia

The insignia of the Commendation for Distinguished Service is nickel-silver with a Federation Star superimposed on a row of flames.
Ribbon

The Commendation for Distinguished Service insignia is mounted on a plain ochre-red ribbon. A miniature insignia is worn on the ribbon bar.
Further Awards

Further awards of the Commendation for Distinguished Service are made by Warrant describing the separate action being recognised. No additional insignia is received or worn.
Postnominal

There is no entitlement to postnominal letters for recipients of the Commendation for Distinguished Service.
Administration

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Courtesy of Australian Defence Honours and Awards

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