Type Military decoration Established 1970 | Status Currently awarded Next (higher) Medal of Courage | |
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Eligibility Soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces Awarded for Distinguished Service to Israel | ||
The Medal of Distinguished Service (Hebrew: :עיטור המופת) is an Israeli military decoration.
Contents
Overview
The medal was instituted in 1970 by act of law in the Knesset and could also be awarded also for actions performed before 1970.
The medal is awarded for an act of exemplary bravery in the line of duty.
To date, 601 medals have been awarded, the last in 2015. Five recipients have been awarded the medal twice. One unit, the reconnaissance battalion of the Givati Brigade was awarded the medal in 2005.
Design
The medal was designed by Dan Reisinger; its shape is circular.
On the front of the medal is a sword with an olive branch, symbolizing controlled strength. The reverse is plain.
The medal is attached to a blue ribbon, with two-time recipients of the medal wearing a small clasp in the form of the medal on its ribbon.
The medal is minted by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, it is made from 25 gram silver/935 and the clasp is chrome plated metal.