
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 10USC1125]

 
                         TITLE 10--ARMED FORCES
 
                    Subtitle A--General Military Law
 
                           PART II--PERSONNEL
 
                   CHAPTER 57--DECORATIONS AND AWARDS
 
Sec. 1125. Recognition for accomplishments: award of trophies

    The Secretary of Defense may--
        (1) award medals, trophies, badges, and similar devices to 
    members, units, or agencies of an armed force under his jurisdiction 
    for excellence in accomplishments or competitions related to that 
    armed force; and
        (2) provide badges or buttons in recognition of special service, 
    good conduct, and discharge under conditions other than 
    dishonorable.

(Added Pub. L. 89-529, Sec. 1(1), Aug. 11, 1966, 80 Stat. 339.)

         Ex. Ord. No. 11545. Defense Distinguished Service Medal

    Ex. Ord. 11545, July 9, 1970, 35 F.R. 11161, provided:
    By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United 
States and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United 
States, it is ordered as follows:
    Section 1. There is hereby established a Defense Distinguished 
Service Medal, with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances, for award by 
the Secretary of Defense to a military officer who performed 
exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility with 
the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Organization of the Joint 
Chiefs of Staff, a specified or unified command, a Defense agency, or 
such other joint activity as may be designated by the Secretary of 
Defense.
    Sec. 2. The Defense Distinguished Service Medal and appurtenances 
thereto shall be of appropriate design approved by the Secretary of 
Defense and shall be awarded under such regulations as he shall 
prescribe. These regulations shall place the Defense Distinguished 
Service Medal in an order of precedence after the Medals of Honor and 
the Distinguished Service Crosses of the Armed Forces and before the 
Distinguished Service Medals of the Armed Forces.
    Sec. 3. No more than one Defense Distinguished Service Medal shall 
be awarded to any one person, but for each succeeding exceptionally 
meritorious period of service justifying such an award, a suitable 
device may be awarded to be worn with that Medal as prescribed by 
appropriate regulations of the Department of Defense.
    Sec. 4. The Defense Distinguished Service Medal or device may be 
awarded posthumously and, when so awarded, may be presented to such 
representative of the deceased as may be deemed appropriate by the 
Secretary of Defense.
                                                          Richard Nixon.
