Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal

Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal
Obverse (left) and reverse of the medal
TypeHonor award (medal and ribbon)
Awarded forExceedingly high levels of achievement.
Country United States
Presented bythe
United States Public Health Service
EligibilityMembers of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and members of any other Uniformed Service of the United States
StatusCurrently awarded
Establishedc. 1900[1]

Ribbon of PHS Distinguished Service Medal
V

Ribbon of medal awarded for valor
Precedence
Next (higher)Defense Distinguished Service Medal[2]
Next (lower)Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal
RelatedDistinguished Service Medal[2]

The Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal is an honor award presented to members of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and to members of any Uniformed Services of the United States whose accomplishments or achievements are of outstanding or unique significance to the missions of the Corps. This is the highest award presented by the United States Public Health Service. It is the highest decoration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.[3]

Criteria

The PHS Distinguished Service Medal is awarded in recognition on an exceedingly high level of achievement by an officer who possesses a genuine sense of public service and who has made exceptional contributions to the mission of the Corps. Such achievement must result in a major impact on Global and/or National health. The award can also be conferred for an act of heroism resulting in the saving of life or the protection of health.[4]

The PHS Distinguished Service Medal may also be awarded "With Valor", signified by a bronze "V" for recognizing acts of courage and bravery. The designation “With Valor” is not to be used to recognize hazardous assignments or exposure to dangerous and life-threatening environments. The officer must exhibit a positive and particular act, or actions, of bravery and courage, and/or heroism, resulting in the saving or preserving of the life or health of others. The degrees of risk to personal safety, the level of bravery, and the demonstration of courage, are determining factors that must be clearly displayed.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Public Health Service Distinguished Service". Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 2021-02-28.
  2. ^ a b "Wear of Awards and Badges" (PDF). Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  3. ^ "Service Medals" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 16, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  4. ^ "Commissioned Officers' Awards Program" (PDF). Commissioned Officer Corps of the US Public Health Service. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
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