Criteria: Awarded to any member of the United States Air Force who has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States Government in a duty of great responsibility. The medal is typically awarded to senior Air Force Generals. The medal was intended as a new decoration of the United States Air Force to replace the policy of awarding the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Air Force personnel. Until 1955, the official title of the new decoration was Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force). After the Korean War, the medal was referred to by its current name.

Attachments: Bronze Oak Leaf Device, Silver Oak Leaf Device.