Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal
Encyclopedia
The Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal is a United States military award
which is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States by the United States Department of Homeland Security
. The current version of the medal was established on March 1, 2002.
in 2006 for his service in response to Hurricane Katrina
. Admiral Allen received the award for a second time in 2010 at the end of his term as Commandant of the Coast Guard
.
Admiral Thomas H. Collins
was presented the award in 2006 at the end of his term as Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Vice Admiral Vivien Crea was presented the award in 2009 at the end of her term as Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Admiral Arthur E. Brooks was presented the award in 2007. Both Admiral Arthur E. Brooks and Admiral Thad W. Allen are the only officers to receive the award while still upon active duty.
, this decoration is one of the highest awards that can be bestowed upon a member of the armed forces.
The award would be worn after the Medal of Honor
, Navy Cross
, Distinguished Service Cross
and Air Force Cross
and, for members of the Coast Guard, before the Defense Distinguished Service Medal
and the Department-specific DSM decorations. The medal may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Awards and decorations of the United States military
Awards and decorations of the United States Military are military decorations which recognize service and personal accomplishments while a member of the United States armed forces...
which is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States by the United States Department of Homeland Security
United States Department of Homeland Security
The United States Department of Homeland Security is a cabinet department of the United States federal government, created in response to the September 11 attacks, and with the primary responsibilities of protecting the territory of the United States and protectorates from and responding to...
. The current version of the medal was established on March 1, 2002.
History
The decoration was originally established as the Transportation Distinguished Service Medal by , signed by President George H.W. Bush on December 7, 1992. On February 28, 2003, President George W. Bush signed , which, among other things, replaced the Transportation version of the award with the Homeland Security version retroactively to March 1, 2002. On April 5, 2011, President Barack Obama amended Executive Order 12824, as amended, modifying the award eligibility from "a member of the Coast Guard" to "any member of the Armed Forces of the United States".Recipients
The first Department of Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal was awarded to then-Vice Admiral Thad W. AllenThad W. Allen
Thad William Allen is a retired United States Coast Guard admiral who served as the 23rd Commandant of the Coast Guard. Allen is best known for his widely-praised performance directing the federal response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast region from September 2005 to January 2006....
in 2006 for his service in response to Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina disaster relief
The disaster recovery response to Hurricane Katrina included federal government agencies suchas the Federal Emergency Management Agency , state and local-level agencies, federal and National Guard soldiers, non-governmental organizations, charities, and private individuals...
. Admiral Allen received the award for a second time in 2010 at the end of his term as Commandant of the Coast Guard
Commandant of the Coast Guard
The Commandant of the United States Coast Guard is the highest ranking member of the United States Coast Guard. The Commandant is normally the only four-star Admiral in the Coast Guard and is appointed for a four-year term by the President of the United States upon confirmation by the United...
.
Admiral Thomas H. Collins
Thomas H. Collins
Thomas Hansen Collins is a retired United States Coast Guard 4 star admiral who served as the 22nd Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 2002 to 2006.-Background:...
was presented the award in 2006 at the end of his term as Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Vice Admiral Vivien Crea was presented the award in 2009 at the end of her term as Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Admiral Arthur E. Brooks was presented the award in 2007. Both Admiral Arthur E. Brooks and Admiral Thad W. Allen are the only officers to receive the award while still upon active duty.
Order of precedence
As a distinguished service medalDistinguished Service Medal (United States)
The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
, this decoration is one of the highest awards that can be bestowed upon a member of the armed forces.
The award would be worn after the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
, Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
, Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
and Air Force Cross
Air Force Cross (United States)
The Air Force Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Air Force. The Air Force Cross is the Air Force decoration equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross and the Navy Cross .The Air Force Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism...
and, for members of the Coast Guard, before the Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
The Defense Distinguished Service Medal is a United States military award which is presented for exceptionally distinguished performance of duty contributing to national security or defense of the United States...
and the Department-specific DSM decorations. The medal may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States.
See also
- Awards and decorations of the United States Coast GuardAwards and decorations of the United States Coast GuardAwards and decorations of the United States Coast Guard are military medals and ribbons of the United States Coast Guard which are currently issued under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security....
- Awards and decorations of the United States governmentAwards and decorations of the United States governmentAwards and decorations of the United States government are civilian awards of the U.S. federal government which are typically issued for sustained meritorious service, in a civilian capacity, while serving in the U.S. federal government. Certain U.S...