The National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal is a gold colored medal across. The
obverse design consists of a white 16 pointed star surmounted by a gold heraldic rose. In the center of the rose is a dark blue disc bearing an eight pointed compass rose in gold. The reverse bears the words
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE, one word on each line, all in gold. The medal's ribbon, which is from the original, is wide. The ribbon is white with blue stripes at both edges. In the center is a scarlet stripe flanked by yellow stripes. Symbolically, the heraldic rose is a symbol of secrecy and confidence, referring to the term
sub rosa which is Latin for "under the rose." That symbol has traditionally been used to describe something to be kept secret and not repeated elsewhere. Blue represents loyalty, and is taken from the seal of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The compass rose in the center of the medal symbolizes the world-wide mission of the organization, while the points of the white star also allude to compass points. The white color represents honesty, truth and optimism. ==Known recipients==