Military Writing Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM) Submission Guidelines (from a LOCAL OI)
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A8.1. Standard of Award. Meritorious achievement or service, although of a lesser degree than that required for award of the DSSM, that has been accomplished with distinction.

A8.2. Definition of Meritorious Service. Individual performance must exceed that expected by virtue of grade and experience based on accomplishments during an entire tour of duty. Awards given for service must normally cover the period of the controlled duty tour, plus any extensions, and are normally awarded for a period of service greater than 12 months.

A8.3. Approval/Signature Authority. Dep CDR for J1 and Command Support Staff, J12, J13/14, J15, and J16 for designated officer personnel (O4s and above) and enlisted personnel (E7s and above). NOTE: All awards submitted outside the specified criteria will be submitted for Awards Board review and final decision. (See paragraph 2.7)

A8.4. Submission Procedures.

A8.4.1. Directorate action officers will submit recommendation packages to their approving authority at least 45 days prior to desired presentation date. Prepare the citation using the example at Attachment 9.

A8.4.2. Directors will submit approved decorations to J12 at least 30 days prior to desired presentation date for review and publication of orders.

A8.5. Justification. Award justification, when required, will not exceed the space provided in the ACTION SUMMARY block of <UNIT> Form 915 at Attachment 2 and will follow the requirements of Table A8.1.

A8.6. Presentation. Director or higher authority desirable: however, may be delegated to a lower level.

Table A8.1. Justification Requirement (DMSM).

PCS RETIREMENT

EXAMPLE OF CITATION – DMSM

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF
(double space)
THE DEFENSE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
(FIRST OAK LEAF CLUSTER)
(double space)
TO
(double space)
KRISTINE K. JONES
(triple space)

Mandatory Opening Sentence. Major Kristine K. Jones, United States (appropriate Service), distinguished herself by exceptionally meritorious service (achievement) as (duty assignment) OR (while assigned to (office) from (month/year) to (month/year)). (Text) Write in narrative style, using short, simple, direct, and accurate facts in straightforward language. Avoid superfluous adjectives and other embellishments. Include accomplishments of the individual and the resulting benefits. (NOTE: See mandatory closing sentences below.)

Mandatory Closing Sentences:
PCS Award. Through her distinctive accomplishments, Major Jones reflected great credit upon herself, the United States (appropriate service), and the Department of Defense.
Retirement. Through her distinctive accomplishments, Major Jones culminated a distinguished career in the service of her country and reflected great credit upon herself, the United States (appropriate service), and the Department of Defense.
 

Retirement (with at least 30 years). Through her distinctive accomplishments, Major Jones culminated a long and distinguished career in the service of her country and reflected great credit upon herself, the United States (appropriate service), and the Department of Defense
Separation. Through her distinctive accomplishments and while serving her country, Major Jones reflected great credit upon herself, the United States (appropriate service), and the Department of Defense.
 

Instructions. Prepare in final form, portrait format, single-spaced, right-margin justified, with 1-inch right and left margins, 1-inch top margin, and a minimum of 3 inches at bottom. Font/Size is 14 TMS RMN. No more than 16 lines. Must be unclassified. Use no abbreviations or acronyms. Spell out full name in opening sentence, then use shortened grade throughout the remaining text; i.e., Lieutenant Colonel Kristine K. Jones, then use Colonel Jones. (For Navy personnel only, use full grade throughout.). Note: For distribution purposes, provide seven copies of the citation with the SSAN typed three spaces to the right of the name and seven copies of the certificate).