Department of Defense Distinguished Service MedalDepartment of Defense Distinguished Service Medal Criteria: The Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM) is presented to any member of the U. S. Armed Forces, while serving with the Department of Defense, who distinguishes themselves with exceptional performance of duty contributing to national security or defense of the United States. Created on July 9th, 1970 by President Richard Nixon's Executive Order 11545, the medals is typically awarded to