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On July 9, 1918, the United States Congress authorized the Distinguished Service Medal. From the article:
"Army Distinguished Service Medal
For exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility.
Authorized in 1918 in the legislation authorizing the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star Citation, the Distinguished Service Medal is awarded for both combat valor and non-combat services of exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a position of great responsibility. It is our fourth highest military award and shares this level of prominence with the Navy/Marine Corps DSM, the Coast Guard DSM and the Air Force DSM, each of which has its own unique design."
"Army Distinguished Service Medal
For exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility.
Authorized in 1918 in the legislation authorizing the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star Citation, the Distinguished Service Medal is awarded for both combat valor and non-combat services of exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a position of great responsibility. It is our fourth highest military award and shares this level of prominence with the Navy/Marine Corps DSM, the Coast Guard DSM and the Air Force DSM, each of which has its own unique design."
Army Distinguished Service Medal |
Posted from homeofheroes.com
Medals
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Congress
American History
Military History
Posted 4 y ago
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I think you may know something about this, SGT Robert Pryor, although yours is the Cross and not the Medal. I thank SFC William Farrell for setting me straight!
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LTC Stephen C.
You’re totally correct, SFC William Farrell. I was thinking cross, even as I was reading medal. Thanks!
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SGT Robert Pryor
LTC Stephen C. and SFC William Farrell, you guys have it right. Before the DSM there was a lot of abuse of awards for the MOH. Maybe there still is. Go back and read some of the MOH citations for those of higher ranks from prior wars. It angers me because folks were awarded the MOH for actions that just MIGHT earn someone a Bronze Star in later wars. Below is President Theodore Roosevelt's MOH citation. I picked on him because he was POTUS and I don't mind picking on politicians, but there are many far worse cases than this. At least Roosevelt did something himself, as opposed to taking credit for what those under his command did. I saw actions similar to Roosevelt's from time to time in Viet Nam, and those veterans weren't even decorated with an ArCom for their efforts.
"Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt distinguished himself by acts of bravery on 1 July, 1898, near Santiago de Cuba, Republic of Cuba, while leading a daring charge up San Juan Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, in total disregard for his personal safety, and accompanied by only four or five men, led a desperate and gallant charge up San Juan Hill, encouraging his troops to continue the assault through withering enemy fire over open countryside. Facing the enemy's heavy fire, he displayed extraordinary bravery throughout the charge, and was the first to reach the enemy trenches, where he quickly killed one of the enemy with his pistol, allowing his men to continue the assault. His leadership and valor turned the tide in the Battle for San Juan Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."
Man, he got the MOH for killing one enemy combatant. The rest was leadership. And that's where the DSM and other wards come in. I felt that my actions, for which I was awarded the DSC, only merited a Bronze Star, so I have no idea what that was all about. I know for a fact that I was originally recommended for the DSC, not some other award, so it's not like it got changed by those handling awards and decorations at USARV.
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/2921
"Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt distinguished himself by acts of bravery on 1 July, 1898, near Santiago de Cuba, Republic of Cuba, while leading a daring charge up San Juan Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, in total disregard for his personal safety, and accompanied by only four or five men, led a desperate and gallant charge up San Juan Hill, encouraging his troops to continue the assault through withering enemy fire over open countryside. Facing the enemy's heavy fire, he displayed extraordinary bravery throughout the charge, and was the first to reach the enemy trenches, where he quickly killed one of the enemy with his pistol, allowing his men to continue the assault. His leadership and valor turned the tide in the Battle for San Juan Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."
Man, he got the MOH for killing one enemy combatant. The rest was leadership. And that's where the DSM and other wards come in. I felt that my actions, for which I was awarded the DSC, only merited a Bronze Star, so I have no idea what that was all about. I know for a fact that I was originally recommended for the DSC, not some other award, so it's not like it got changed by those handling awards and decorations at USARV.
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/2921
Theodore Roosevelt - Recipient -
Theodore Roosevelt served in the New York National Guard before active duty service. Many historians believe the Medal of Honor was denied him after t...
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SFC William Farrell
LTC Stephen C. - I knew what you were thinking Steve, its just nice to correct the Colonel every once in awhile! LOL
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SFC William Farrell
SGT Robert Pryor - I think you just started the downgrade process Robert! LOL But you are right about many of the earlier MOH citations in that they were for leadership. I recently had an exchange with someone on Instagram about Roosevelts MOH and General Wainwright's from WWII. I felt they were both mainly for leadership and this person felt that Wainwright was the more deserving because of his POW status. I believe they were both leadership although I do admit that Wainwright certainly had it a lot tougher.
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