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The Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM) is the third-highest award bestowed upon members of the United States Military by the United States Department Of Defense . The medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in a joint activity, distinguish themselves by non-combat outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a degree to warrant award of the Defense Superior Service Medal . The medal was first created on November 3 , 1977 by President Jimmy Carter under . It was first awarded to Major Terrell G. Covington, United States Army . Additional awards of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal are denoted by oak leaf clusters. The medal is not the same as the Meritorious Service Medal , which is a separate federal military decoration. Both have virtually identical award criteria, but the DMSM is awarded to servicemembers assigned to joint, multi-service organizations, while the MSM is awarded to servicemembers in traditional military units. SEE ALSO |
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