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.

Commendation for Distinguished Service
Insignia and ribbon
Type	Medal
Awarded for	"the distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations to members of the Australian Defence Force"
Presented by	Australia
Eligibility	Members of the Australian Defence Force
Status	Currently awarded
Established	15 January 1991
First award	1993
Final award	2025 Australia Day Honours
Total	525[1]
Order of Wear
Next (higher)	Commendation for Brave Conduct[2]
Next (lower)	War medals, campaign medals, active service medals and service medals[2]
Related	Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Medal

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.

See also

• Australian Honours Order of Precedence
• Category:Recipients of the Commendation for Distinguished Service