The Navy Distinguished Service Medal was established by Act of Congress (Public Law 253, 65th Congress), approved February 4, 1919. The Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Title 10, United States Code, Section 6243 (10 USC 6243).
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal has been in effect since April 6, 1917. The medal was designed by Paul Manship (1885-1966). The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a duty of great responsibility. To justify this decoration, an exceptional performance of duty, clearly above that normally expected, which has contributed materially to the success of a major command or project, is required. In general, the Distinguished Service Medal will be awarded only to those officers in principal commands at sea or in the field whose service is such as to justify the award. However, this shall not be interpreted to preclude the award of the Distinguished Service Medal to any individual whose service meets the requirements. If there is any doubt as to the degree of service involved, the Legion of Merit is the more appropriate award.