United States – Army Distinguished Service Medal

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United States Distinguished Service by Graco-GI. Instituted January 2, 1918, the Army Distinguished Service Medal was awarded for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. It is constructed out of a die struck bronze base that has been gold gilded and contains blue enamel work. The round shaped obverse features the United States Coat of Arms, surrounded by “For Distinguished Service MCMXVIII” (in gold) on a blue background. The reverse features a centrally placed (blank) scroll. To the top is a decorative mount that holds a swivel suspender and red, blue and white ribbon. The reverse features a rectangular bar, which is maker marked: “Graco-GI”, and holds a soldered-on pin, hinge and catch assembly. It measures 1 ½ inches in diameter.