Commendation for Distinguished Service

The Commendation for Distinguished Service is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force, it is awarded for the distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations. The Commendation for Distinguished Service was introduced in 1991 and replaced its Imperial equivalent, Mention in Despatches. It is the third level of distinguished service decoration in the Australian Honours System. Since its inception 323 have been awarded, with the most recent being announced in the 2012 Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Description

 * The insignia of the Commendation for Distinguished Service is a central Federation Star on a nickel-silver row of flames that taper at each end.
 * The insignia is attached to an ochre-red ribbon.