Distinguished Service Medal (Australia)

The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) is a military decoration of Australia. It is awarded for distinguished service of a highly commendable nature in the presence of the enemy. The award is presented to members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty during wartime.

The DSM was instituted on 1 January 1914, initially as the ''Distinguished Service Medal'' within the British honours system. Australia's own version was established in 1991, following a review of Australian honours and awards. Prior to 1991, Australian recipients received the British DSM. The Australian DSM retains a similar design and criteria to its British counterpart.

The medal is awarded for acts of bravery or outstanding devotion to duty in the face of the enemy. This typically involves actions above and beyond the call of normal duty, showing exceptional courage, skill, and initiative. The acts must have been performed while on active service during a period of armed conflict or military operation.

Unlike some other gallantry awards, the DSM is not necessarily awarded for a single act of heroism. It can be awarded for sustained distinguished service over a period of time. The recommendation process involves thorough investigation and evaluation by military authorities, considering the totality of the service rendered.

While the DSM is a significant honour, it ranks below the Victoria Cross for Australia and the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross in the Australian honours system's order of precedence. Details of recipients are generally maintained by the Australian Department of Defence and may be found in official records and publications.