Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

10 U.S.C. § 8293

Distinguished-service medal

The President may award a distinguished-service medal of appropriate design and a ribbon, together with a rosette or other device to be worn in place thereof, to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or the Marine Corps, distinguishes himself by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a duty of great responsibility.

Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 104170A Stat. 389Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, § 807(b)(13)132 Stat. 1836(, , § 6243; renumbered § 8293, , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source (U.S. Code)

Source (Statutes at Large)

6243

34 U.S.C. 355.

Feb. 4, 1919, ch. 14, § 2, 40 Stat. 1056; renumbered § 3 and amended Aug. 7, 1942, ch. 551, § 1, 56 Stat. 743.

The word “award” is substituted for the word “present” to cover the determination of the recipient as well as the actual presenting of the decoration. The words “but not in the name of Congress” are omitted as surplusage, since a decoration is presented in the name of Congress only if Congress so directs. The words “Navy or the Marine Corps” are substituted for the words “Navy of the United States” because the provision is interpreted as authorizing the award of the medal to persons serving with the Marine Corps as well as with the Navy. The words “since the sixth day of April 1917 has distinguished” are omitted as executed. The words “United States” are substituted for the word “Government” for uniformity.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 104170A Stat. 509Pub. L. 96–513, title II, § 20494 Stat. 2880section 532 of this titleA prior section 8293, , , provided that no person in civil life be originally appointed as a chaplain in Regular Air Force unless he has passed an examination prescribed by President as to his moral, mental, and physical qualifications, prior to repeal by , , , effective . See .

Amendments

Pub. L. 115–232section 6243 of this title2018— renumbered as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–232section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232section 3001 of this titleAmendment by effective , with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see , set out as a note preceding .