The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)
Overview
The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) was instituted in 1914 for senior and junior ratings of the Navy. It was awarded for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy for which the award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal was not considered appropriate. In 1993, the DSM was replaced in the United Kingdom by the Distinguished Service Cross for all ranks. The DSM was replaced in New Zealand by the New Zealand Gallantry Decoration(external link) in 1999.
Description
The medal is silver and circular. The obverse bears the effigy and titles of the Sovereign. The reverse features the inscription 'FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE', within a crowned laurel wreath. The name, rank, service number, and ship of the recipient are engraved or impressed on the rim of the medal.
The ribbon consists of three equal stripes: dark blue, white, and dark blue, with a thin dark blue stripe through the centre of the white stripe.
Bars were awarded for subsequent acts of bravery.
Queries & requests
-
Wearing this medal
The Distinguished Service Medal is worn with medals for gallantry and bravery in the New Zealand Order of Wear. It is always worn before the Military Medal.
For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:
-
Checking eligibility and applying for this medal
The Distinguished Service Medal is no longer awarded in New Zealand since the introduction of New Zealand's own system of Gallantry and Bravery awards in 1999.
-
Checking if this medal was issued
Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record. NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.
Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page.