To be eligible for consideration the individual must have rendered exceptionally distinguished service of significance to the
Department of Defense as a whole. Recognition may also be given for distinguished service of such exceptional significance to a Department of Defense Component or Function that recognition at the Component level would be insufficient. The service or assistance may have been rendered at considerable personal sacrifice and inconvenience and should be motivated by patriotism, good citizenship, and a sense of public responsibility. Normally, it is required that nominees have a direct working relationship with the most senior officials in the Federal government, e.g., Secretary of Defense,
Deputy Secretary of Defense,
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of State. An individual may receive this award more than once with subsequent awards consisting of a bronze, silver, or gold palm, respectively. ==Description==