Instituted in 1918. In fire gilt bronze with blue enamels, measuring 37.7 mm (w) x 42 mm (h) inclusive of its integral suspension, original ribbon with brooch pinback, intact enamels, extremely fine. Accompanied by its 35 mm (w) x 10.7 mm ribbon bar, in their cardboard box of issue, with the Robbins Co. of Attleboro, Massachusetts manufacturer's label affixed to the end panel.
Footnote: The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) is a military decoration of the United States Army that was instituted on January 12, 1918. It is presented to soldiers who have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility. The performance must be such as to merit recognition for service that is clearly exceptional. The exceptional performance of normal duty will not alone justify an award of this decoration. The Army's Distinguished Service Medal is equivalent to the Navy and Marine Corps' Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Air Force and Space Force's Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal. Prior to the creation of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal in 1960, United States Air Force airmen were awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.