Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal

Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal
Obverse of the medal
Awarded by Public Health Service
Type	Medal and ribbon
Status	Current
Precedence
Next (higher)	Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal, Department of Commerce Gold Medal
Equivalent	Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medals
Next (lower)	Public Health Service Meritorious Service Medal
Ribbon of PHS Distinguished Service Medal Ribbon of medal awarded for valor

The Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal is the highest decoration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

The Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to recognize "exceedingly high level of achievements, which may range from the management of a major health program to an initiative resulting in a major impact on the health of the nation." The medal may also be awarded for a single act of heroism resulting in the saving of life, health, or property.