Distinguished Service Medal (Australia)

The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force for distinguished leadership in action. The DSM was introduced in 1991 and is the second highest distinguished service decoration in the Australian Honours System. Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "DSM". Since its inception 125 have been awarded, which includes three Bars, with the most recent being announced in the 2012 Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Government allowance
The Government of Australia may grant an allowance to veterans or serving members of the Australian Defence Force who have been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, or other awards for gallantry. At November 2007, this allowance was A$2.10 per fortnight.

Description

 * The Distinguished Service Medal is ensigned with the Crown of St Edward in nickel-silver. The obverse has a Federation star superimposed on a circle of flames.
 * The medal has a nickel-silver suspender bar.
 * The medal ribbon has alternating vertical stripes: four silver-blue and three ochre-red.