Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal

The Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal is a decoration of the United States Department of Homeland Security and is intended to serve as a replacement for the Department of Transportation Distinguished Service Medal for members of the United States Coast Guard. The medal which was created in March 1, 2002 by Executive Order 13286 by President George W. Bush.

The decoration was originally established as the Transportation Distinguished Service Medal by Executive Order 12824 signed by President George H.W. Bush on December 7, 1992.

On February 28, 2003, President George W. Bush signed Executive Order 13286, "Amendment of Executive Order, and Other Actions, in Connection With the Transfer of Certain Functions to the Secretary of Homeland Security." Section 29 of this Executive Order amended Executive Order 12824 of December 7, 1992 ("Establishing the Transportation Distinguished Service Medal") by striking "Transportation" in the title and inserting "Homeland Security" in is place. This action rendered the Transportation Distinguishd Service Medal obsolete and replaced it with a new Department of Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal, which is administered by the Department of Homeland Security.

The first Department of Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal was awarded to Admiral Thad W. Allen, USCG.

Order of precedence
As distinguished service medal, this decoration is one of the highest awards that can be bestowed upon a member of the United States Coast Guard or others if so awarded.


 * When awarded to members of the Coast Guard, the award would be worn after the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Cross and Air Force Cross and before the Transportation Distinguished Service Medal, Defense DSM and the Department-specific DSM decorations.


 * If ever awarded to members of the Department of Defense (Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force), the award would be worn after the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and any department-specific Distinguished Service Medal and before the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal.