Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Navy Distinguished Service Medal

The Navy Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) is the highest non-combat decoration issued by the United States Department of the Navy, awarded to recognize exceptionally meritorious service performed in a duty of great responsibility that is clearly exceptional and contributes materially to the success of a major command or a project of utmost importance to the Navy.^[1]^[2] Authorized by an act of Congress on February 4, 1919, the medal was created to honor naval personnel for outstanding contributions during and after World War I, specifically for service on or after April 6, 1917, the date of United States entry into the conflict.^[3] In the order of precedence for Navy awards, the DSM ranks third among personal decorations, following the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross, but it holds primacy among non-valor awards for meritorious service.^[1] It is presented by the Secretary of the Navy to active-duty and reserve members of the Navy and Marine Corps, as well as to personnel from other U.S. military branches, foreign military allies, and civilians who serve in any capacity with the naval service and meet the criteria of superior performance beyond normal expectations.^[2] The award is typically bestowed upon senior officers in principal commands, such as fleet commanders or Marine division leaders, for sustained leadership in operations, major projects, or administrative duties that significantly advance naval objectives.^[2] The medal's design, crafted by sculptor Paul Manship, features a blue-enameled disk suspended from an anchor-shaped suspension device, depicting an eagle perched on a fouled anchor with a ship in the background, surrounded by a blue enameled ring bearing the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" at the top and "NAVY" at the bottom, with thirteen stars encircling the ring, symbolizing the original thirteen colonies; the reverse bears space for the recipient's name and the phrase "For Distinguished Service."^[4] The accompanying ribbon is 1 + 3⁄8 inches wide, navy blue, with a central 1⁄4-inch yellow stripe.^[1] Subsequent awards are denoted by gold stars (with a silver star substituting for five gold stars), and since January 7, 2016, a "C" device may be authorized for meritorious service under combat conditions.^[2]

Introduction and Background

Establishment

The Navy Distinguished Service Medal was established by an Act of Congress, Public Law 253 of the 65th Congress, approved on February 4, 1919, to recognize exceptionally meritorious service in the naval forces during and after World War I.^[5] This legislation authorized the award retroactively for services performed since April 6, 1917, the date of the United States' entry into the war, addressing the need for a Navy-specific decoration equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal created earlier in 1918.^[6] The act was part of a broader effort to formalize military honors for naval personnel, including the simultaneous creation of the Navy Cross for valor.^[5] The Navy Department oversaw the initial design and production of the medal following its authorization, commissioning American sculptor Paul Manship to create the medallion in 1919.^[5] Manship, known for his classical and mythological motifs, crafted a bronze pendant featuring symbolic naval elements, with the design approved under the department's direction to ensure alignment with military standards.^[7] The first presentation of the medal occurred posthumously on March 13, 1919, to Brigadier General Charles A. Doyen of the United States Marine Corps, recognizing his distinguished leadership as acting commandant during the war.^[5] This initial award underscored the medal's immediate application to honor wartime contributions in the naval service.^[5]

Purpose and Significance

The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a duty of great responsibility.^[2] This recognition applies to superior performance in both combat and non-combat scenarios, where the individual's contributions materially advance major naval commands, projects, or national security objectives, setting them apart from their peers.^[2] Although primarily conferred on senior officers in principal commands at sea or in the field, such as numbered fleets or Marine divisions, the medal remains open to personnel of all ranks within the Navy and Marine Corps, including reserves.^[2] It is not intended for acts of heroism, which are covered by valor decorations, but rather for sustained excellence in leadership and execution.^[2] As the highest non-valor decoration in the Navy and Marine Corps, the medal holds precedence below the Medal of Honor and Navy Cross but above the Silver Star and Legion of Merit.^[2] It is equivalent in stature to the Distinguished Service Medals of the Army and Air Force, yet distinctly tailored to naval and Marine Corps achievements.^[8] Established in 1919, the award embodies the pinnacle of professional distinction, often marking the culmination of exemplary careers among flag and general officers.^[1]

Historical Development

Origins and Initial Awards

The Navy Distinguished Service Medal originated in the context of World War I, when the U.S. Army established its Distinguished Service Medal on July 9, 1918, to recognize exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility during the conflict.^[9] Recognizing the need for an equivalent honor for naval personnel, Congress authorized the Navy Distinguished Service Medal through an Act (Public Law 253, 65th Congress) approved on February 4, 1919, allowing retroactive awards for wartime contributions.^[8] The first presentation of the medal occurred posthumously to Brigadier General Charles A. Doyen, USMC, on March 13, 1919, for his service as acting Commandant of the Marine Corps and contributions to expeditionary operations in France.^[8] Admiral William S. Sims was awarded the medal for his exceptionally meritorious leadership as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces in European Waters from 1917 to 1918, where he oversaw antisubmarine warfare, convoy protection, and Allied naval coordination that proved vital to the war effort, but he declined to accept it due to disagreements with the awards process.^[10] Subsequent initial awards in 1919 and 1920 focused on World War I contributions, particularly by senior officers involved in major naval operations such as fleet command, logistics, and strategic planning in European theaters. This emphasis set a precedent for the medal as a recognition of high-level command responsibilities, distinguishing it from valor-focused decorations like the Navy Cross.

Key Changes Over Time

In August 1942, an Act of Congress revised the order of precedence for Navy decorations, elevating the Navy Cross above the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) as the highest award for valor while positioning the DSM as the preeminent non-combat service award.^[11] This adjustment reflected the need to distinguish combat heroism from exceptional meritorious service in positions of great responsibility during World War II. The practice of denoting subsequent awards of the DSM with gold stars, measuring 5/16 inch in diameter and worn on the suspension ribbon or service ribbon, began in the 1920s as part of standardized Navy regulations for personal decorations.^[12] Up to five gold stars may be affixed for additional awards; beyond that, a silver star substitutes for five gold stars, with gold clusters added as needed for further recognitions.^[2] This system ensures visual distinction of multiple honors without issuing duplicate medals. In 2017, the Department of Defense introduced the "C" device—a bronze letter "C" affixed to the DSM—to recognize meritorious service or achievement performed under combat conditions, such as direct exposure to hostile fire or imminent danger.^[13] This appurtenance, effective from updates to DoD Instruction 1348.33, applies to awards on or after January 7, 2016, and may be authorized retroactively for prior DSMs if the service meets the combat criteria upon review.^[2] Following the Vietnam War, DSM eligibility expanded in the post-1975 era to accommodate the growing emphasis on joint military operations, allowing awards to U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel serving in Department of Defense or unified joint commands where their contributions significantly advanced mission objectives.^[2] In limited cases, foreign military personnel from allied forces may receive the DSM if their service provides exceptional benefit to U.S. operations, subject to Secretary of the Navy approval and diplomatic coordination, reflecting the integration of multinational efforts in modern conflicts.^[2]

Criteria and Administration

Eligibility and Requirements

The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the United States Navy or Marine Corps who distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States while serving in any capacity with these branches.^[2] Eligible recipients include active duty officers and enlisted personnel, as well as reservists. There are no specific rank or grade restrictions, though the award is typically associated with positions of significant responsibility, such as principal commands like numbered fleets or Marine divisions.^[2] Foreign military personnel may be eligible if serving in a capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps.^[2] To qualify, the service must be clearly above that expected of peers in a duty of great responsibility, contributing materially to the success of a major command, project, or national defense effort, and demonstrating outstanding leadership or achievement.^[2] The performance must exceed normal duties and routine operations, with a significant and enduring impact on organizational or national objectives.^[2] Approval requires endorsement by the Secretary of the Navy, ensuring the award reflects contributions far beyond standard expectations.^[2] The medal is not awarded for acts of heroism or valor, which are recognized by higher decorations such as the Medal of Honor or Navy Cross; instead, it honors non-combat meritorious service.^[2] A "C" device may be authorized for meritorious service performed under combat conditions on or after January 7, 2016, but it does not apply to direct enemy engagement covered by valor awards.^[2] Posthumous awards are permitted for qualifying service.^[2]

Award Process

The recommendation for the Navy Distinguished Service Medal is initiated by a commanding officer or a senior commissioned officer with firsthand knowledge of the proposed recipient's exceptionally meritorious service, using the OPNAV 1650/3 Personal Award Recommendation form.^[2] This form requires a detailed Summary of Action (SOA) describing the specific achievements, supporting documentation such as eyewitness statements or official records, and a proposed citation that adheres to standardized formatting.^[2] The citation, limited to a maximum of 23 lines in Courier New font size 12, must be unclassified, free of jargon, and structured in three paragraphs: an opening stating "For exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a duty of great responsibility," a body highlighting key accomplishments, and a closing emphasizing impact.^[2] The completed package is forwarded through the chain of command for endorsements, starting with the commanding officer and progressing through intermediate commanders, such as fleet or type commanders, before reaching the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) or Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) for review and endorsement.^[2] Final approval authority rests with the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), who may delegate to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs; the entire process must originate within three years of the qualifying service and be finalized within five years total, per statutory limits, though endorsements at each echelon are expected within 10 working days where feasible.^[2] Exceptions beyond the five-year window require congressional action under 10 U.S.C. §1130.^[2] Upon approval, the medal is presented in a formal ceremony by a senior Navy or Marine Corps official, such as the SECNAV, CNO, or CMC when possible, or a delegated senior officer; ceremonies often occur at retirement, change of command, or promotion events to honor the recipient appropriately.^[2] For posthumous awards, the medal and certificate are delivered to the next of kin by a senior official in a dignified manner, with the Navy Department Awards Branch managing fabrication and distribution.^[2] All elements of the process, including citation preparation, follow SECNAVINST 1650.1J to ensure consistency and focus on verifiable, non-classified achievements.

Physical Description

Obverse and Reverse

The obverse of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal consists of a 1-1/4 inch gilt bronze medallion featuring an American bald eagle with wings displayed and elevated, perched centrally while clutching an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in its left talon. The eagle is superimposed upon a blue enameled ring inscribed with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" along the upper arc and "NAVY" along the lower arc, all encircled by a rope-like gold scroll wave border. Atop the medallion sits a white five-pointed star oriented point upward with gold-tipped balls at its points, containing a gold foul anchor at its center from which gold rays extend between the star's points.^[8] The reverse presents a plain gilt bronze field dominated by an upright trident symbolizing Poseidon's dominion over the seas, encircled by a laurel wreath denoting victory and achievement, within a blue enameled ring bearing the inscription "FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE." This side includes space for engraving the recipient's full name, rank or rate, and the date of the award.^[8] Designed by American sculptor Paul Manship in 1919, the medal's iconography evokes naval power through the anchor and trident, peace and defense via the olive branch and arrows, and vigilance represented by the eagle. The medallion suspends from a small ring affixed to the apex of the surmounting star, connecting to a blue moiré silk ribbon.^[8]^[7]

Ribbon and Insignia

The ribbon of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal is 1-3/8 inches wide and consists of a navy blue field with a single central 1/4-inch yellow stripe.^[14] This design symbolizes the colors of the U.S. Navy, with the blue representing the sea and the yellow denoting excellence in service.^[4] Additional awards are denoted by 5/16-inch gold stars affixed to the medal's suspension ribbon and corresponding ribbon bar.^[15] Since January 7, 2016, a bronze "C" device in the form of a letter "C" may be pinned to the ribbon to recognize meritorious service or achievement under combat conditions. Unlike campaign or service medals, the ribbon does not use bronze service stars; only gold stars are authorized for subsequent awards of personal decorations like the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.^[15] The full-size medal is worn suspended from the ribbon on the left side of the chest, centered above the pocket, on formal dress uniforms such as full dress blue or white.^[15] On less formal uniforms like service dress or working uniforms, the ribbon bar version is worn in the same position, with up to three ribbons side by side and additional rows if needed.^[15] A miniature version of the medal and ribbon, scaled to half size, is authorized for dinner dress uniforms.^[15] In the order of precedence for U.S. Navy decorations, it ranks fourth, following the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, and Defense Distinguished Service Medal.^[16]

Recipients

Notable Historical Recipients

The Navy Distinguished Service Medal has been awarded to numerous prominent naval leaders whose contributions shaped key moments in American military history from World War I through the mid-20th century. Among the earliest recipients was Admiral William S. Sims, who in 1919 received the medal for exceptionally meritorious service as Commander of U.S. Naval Forces in European Waters during World War I; his broad vision and energetic action enabled effective cooperation with the British Navy, enhancing the overall Allied naval effort in Europe.^[17] During World War II, Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King earned multiple awards of the medal, including in 1942, 1944, and 1945, for his role as Chief of Naval Operations and Commander in Chief of the U.S. Fleet; he oversaw global naval strategy, coordinating operations across the Pacific and Atlantic theaters to ensure Allied dominance at sea.^[18] Admiral Chester W. Nimitz was awarded the medal twice, in 1944 and 1945, for his leadership as Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet from December 1941 to August 1945; his strategic direction initiated decisive victories, including the Marianas campaign and the Battle of the Philippine Sea, culminating in the defeat of Japanese forces and the liberation of Pacific territories.^[19] General Alexander A. Vandegrift, the first Marine Corps officer to receive the medal in 1942, was honored for his tenacious leadership of the 1st Marine Division during the Guadalcanal campaign; his resourcefulness and courage secured a critical Allied foothold in the Solomon Islands, marking a turning point in the Pacific War. Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy received the medal in 1939 and additional awards during World War II for his service as Chief of Naval Operations and later as Chief of Staff to the Commander in Chief; his advisory role to President Roosevelt facilitated unified command structures that integrated naval operations with broader Allied strategy. Admiral Raymond A. Spruance earned the medal in 1942 and 1945 for commanding Task Force 16 at the Battle of Midway and later the Fifth Fleet during the Central Pacific offensive; his tactical precision turned the tide against Japanese carrier forces and supported amphibious assaults on key islands like Iwo Jima and Okinawa.^[20] Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey was awarded the medal multiple times, including in 1942 and 1944, for directing South Pacific Area forces and the Third Fleet; his aggressive campaigns, such as the Solomon Islands operations and the Philippines liberation, disrupted Japanese supply lines and boosted Allied momentum. Other notable recipients include Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher, who in 1942 received the medal for commanding Task Force 17 during the Battles of Coral Sea and Midway; his decisions neutralized Japanese expansion and preserved U.S. carrier strength early in the war. Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid was honored in 1945 for leading Seventh Fleet operations in the Southwest Pacific, coordinating the recapture of the Philippines and supporting General MacArthur's island-hopping strategy. Vice Admiral Richmond K. Turner earned the medal in 1945 for planning and executing amphibious assaults across the Pacific, from Guadalcanal to Okinawa, which enabled the rapid advance of U.S. forces toward Japan. In the post-World War II era, Admiral Marc A. Mitscher received the medal in 1944 (with subsequent awards) for commanding the Fast Carrier Task Force, conducting strikes that crippled Japanese airpower and naval capabilities during the Marianas and Philippines campaigns. Admiral Arthur W. Radford was awarded the medal in 1953 for his service as Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, strengthening naval readiness amid Cold War tensions in Asia. Admiral Hyman G. Rickover received multiple awards, including in 1959, for pioneering the nuclear propulsion program, which revolutionized naval capabilities and ensured U.S. superiority in submarine and carrier technology. Admiral Arleigh A. Burke earned the medal several times during his tenure as Chief of Naval Operations from 1955 to 1961, for modernizing the fleet and enhancing deterrence strategies against Soviet naval threats. Finally, Admiral George W. Anderson Jr. received two awards, in 1958 and 1963, for commanding the Sixth Fleet during the 1958 Lebanon crisis and later as Chief of Naval Operations, where he managed escalations in the Mediterranean and supported flexible response doctrines. These recipients exemplify the medal's recognition of exceptional leadership in times of conflict and strategic evolution.

Notable Contemporary Recipients

Admiral James F. Amos, the 35th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps from 2010 to 2014, received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his exceptional leadership during the transitions of U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, overseeing the drawdown of operations while maintaining combat readiness and advising on strategic policy.^[21] His awards highlight the medal's recognition of senior leaders managing complex post-conflict environments in the Global War on Terrorism era. Admiral John C. Aquilino, who served as Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command from 2021 to 2024, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his pivotal role in enhancing strategic deterrence and alliances across the Asia-Pacific region amid rising geopolitical tensions.^[22] Aquilino's leadership focused on integrated operations to counter threats, including freedom of navigation efforts and multinational exercises, underscoring the medal's application to high-stakes regional command. General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2015 to 2019, earned the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for directing joint operations against ISIS, coordinating multinational coalitions that degraded terrorist capabilities in Iraq and Syria.^[23] His tenure exemplified the award's emphasis on unified command in counterterrorism, integrating naval assets with air and ground forces for decisive impact. Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, who served as the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations from November 2023 until her relief in February 2025—the first woman in that role—received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (two awards) for advancing fleet modernization, including initiatives to integrate unmanned systems and strengthen cyber defenses amid great power competition.^[24]^[25] Franchetti's efforts prioritized readiness for distributed maritime operations, reflecting the medal's role in honoring innovative leadership at the highest levels; she retired following her relief by the incoming Trump administration. Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command since May 2024, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for bolstering operational posture in the Indo-Pacific through enhanced deterrence measures and alliance building.^[26] Paparo's focus on agile force deployment addresses evolving threats, including those from non-state actors and peer competitors, in line with post-9/11 strategic priorities. Admiral Michael M. Gilday, the 32nd Chief of Naval Operations from 2019 to 2023, received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal upon his retirement for directing naval strategy during a period of intensified focus on warfighting proficiency and technological integration, such as hypersonic weapons development.^[27] Gilday's leadership emphasized readiness for high-end conflict, earning the award for sustaining naval dominance in contested domains. Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, the 30th Chief of Naval Operations from 2011 to 2015, was awarded multiple Navy Distinguished Service Medals for steering the Navy through budget constraints while advancing the Rebalance to Asia-Pacific strategy and fleet recapitalization efforts. His tenure highlighted the medal's recognition of fiscal and operational stewardship in a resource-limited environment. General David H. Berger, the 38th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps from 2019 to 2023, received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for implementing Force Design 2030, which reoriented Marine Corps capabilities toward littoral operations in the Indo-Pacific to support naval integration against advanced adversaries.^[28] Berger's reforms emphasized distributed forces and anti-access/area denial, illustrating the award's value in transformative doctrinal shifts. Admiral John M. Richardson, the 31st Chief of Naval Operations from 2015 to 2019, earned the Navy Distinguished Service Medal multiple times for leading cybersecurity enhancements and the Navy's Arctic strategy amid great power rivalry. Richardson's initiatives fortified naval resilience against hybrid threats, exemplifying the medal's focus on forward-looking command in emerging operational theaters. Admiral Daryl Caudle, the 34th Chief of Naval Operations since August 2025, received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership as Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and in strategic deterrence roles, including as Director for Strategist, Planner, and Policy on the Joint Staff.^[29]^[30] Caudle's submariner background and focus on integrated warfighting enhance naval readiness against peer competitors as of 2025. These recipients, often awarded with the "C" device for meritorious performance under combat conditions in post-9/11 operations, demonstrate the Navy Distinguished Service Medal's continued relevance in recognizing exceptional service during prolonged conflicts and strategic pivots through 2025.

References

[1]
Military Decorations - U.S. Navy Uniforms - MyNavy HR
Awarded by the secretary of defense for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL. (Navy-Marine Corps) ...
[2]
None
Below is a merged summary of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) based on the provided segments. To retain all information in a dense and organized format, I will use a table in CSV format for key details, followed by additional notes and historical context. This ensures all criteria, eligibility, descriptions, and other details are comprehensively captured.
[3]
80-G-K-13531 Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Title: Navy Distinguished Service Medal ; Caption: Authorized by Congress on 4 February 1919 for presentation to Naval Personnel who, after 6 April 1917, ...
[4]
80-G-K-14482 Navy Distinguished service medal
Title: Navy Distinguished service medal ; Caption: Photographed, with its service ribbon, during World War II.
[5]
H-021-3 Navy in World War I - Naval History and Heritage Command
Sep 20, 2018 · Captain Nelson was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and a variety of foreign awards, and would later be promoted to rear admiral.
[6]
https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=17106
[7]
United States Statutes at Large/Volume 40/65th Congress/3rd ...
Aug 3, 2021 · —An Act To provide for the award of medals of honor, distinguished service medals, and Navy crosses, and for other purposes. Be it enacted ...Missing: establishment | Show results with:establishment
[8]
United States Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Congress authorized the United States Navy Distinguished Service Medal on February 4, 1919. The medal is awarded for meritorious service in the Navy, ...Missing: began 1913
[9]
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
### Summary of Navy Distinguished Service Medal History, Origins, Establishment, and Initial Awards
[10]
https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/biographies-list/bios-s/sims--william-s-/sims-william-s-text.html
[11]
Sims, William S.-Text - Naval History and Heritage Command
Nov 15, 2016 · William Sowden Sims was born in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada, on October 15, 1858, the second son of Alfred William and Adelaide (Sowden) Sims.
[12]
Navy Cross - Naval History and Heritage Command
Jun 10, 2024 · The medal was awarded for heroism onboard USS West Virginia (BB-48) during the Pearl Harbor attack on 7 December 1941.
[13]
Pt. 1 - Personal Decorations - Naval History and Heritage Command
Jul 29, 2019 · The primary purpose of decorations is public recognition of acts of heroism performed and outstanding services rendered which were above and beyond that ...
[14]
[PDF] dod instruction 1348.33 dod military decorations and awards program
Dec 21, 2016 · “C” DEVICE. a. The “C” device is placed on multi-purpose PMDs to denote the award recognizes meritorious service or achievement under combat ...
[15]
AMSC N/A FSC 8455 INCH - POUND MIL-DTL-11589F ...
MIL-DTL-11589/ 139 Ribbon, Spanish War Service Medal. MIL-DTL-11589/ 140 Ribbon, Superior Cadet Award, ROTC (Junior Division). MIL-DTL-11589/ 141 Ribbon ...
[16]
5301 - 5319 Awards - MyNavy HR
An award made to those who have participated in designated wars, campaigns, expeditions, etc., or who have fulfilled creditable, specific, service requirements.
[17]
Navy Awards Precedence Chart - MyNavy HR
The following display represents the correct order of precedence for medals and/or ribbons most likely to be worn today on the Navy uniform.
[18]
William Sims - Hall of Valor: Medal of Honor, Silver Star, U.S. Military ...
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral William Sowden Sims, United States ...Missing: S. citation
[19]
King, Ernest J. - Naval History and Heritage Command
Feb 12, 2015 · Born in Lorain, Ohio, Ernest J. King graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1901. In World War I, he was an assistant to the chief of staff of ...
[20]
Chester Nimitz - Hall of Valor: Medal of Honor, Silver Star, U.S. ...
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Chester William Nimitz (NSN: 0-5502/ ...Missing: citation | Show results with:citation
[21]
Raymond Spruance - Hall of Valor: Medal of Honor, Silver Star, U.S. ...
Raymond Spruance graduated from the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1907. He retired as a US Navy Admiral.
[22]
AMOS-JAMES | The United States Navy Memorial
JAMES F. AMOS. Picture. Rate/Rank GEN. Service Branch. USMC 1/1970 - 10/2014 ... NAVY DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL. DEFENSE SUPERIOR SERVICE MEDAL. LEGION OF ...
[23]
Admiral John Aquilino > United States Navy > Search
He is entitled to wear the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, as well as several ...
[24]
2024: Lisa Franchetti - Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
During her 39-year career in the Navy, Franchetti has been awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior ...
[25]
240404-N-TT639-1217 - U.S. Pacific Fleet
Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations, left, awards Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, the Distinguished Service Medal during the ...
[26]
Admiral Michael Gilday > United States Navy > Search
He has served on teams that have been recognized with numerous awards and is the recipient of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service ...
[27]
Defense Leaders Gen. David Berger, Adm. Charles Richard Join ...
May 2, 2024 · His 42 years as a Marine included many awards, notably the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit ...