Distinguished Service Star

• Name — Distinguished Service Star • Presenter — the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines • Type — Decoration • neck medal • Eligibility — Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines • Awarded For — Exceptional service in a position of responsibility • Status — Currently awarded • Motto — For Merit • Established — 1925 (as the Philippine Constabulary Meritorious Service Star)

The DSS was established on October 17, 1925, under Philippine Constabulary General Order 24, as the Philippine Constabulary Meritorious Service Star, initially as a decoration for Filipino and American personnel during the Insular era. Two year later, it was replaced with the Philippine Constabulary Distinguished Service Star. In 1937, under the Commonwealth era, it was simply named the Distinguished Service Star and was now awarded to regular Army personnel. This makes the DSS one of the oldest decorations in the Philippine military.

For an officer to receive the DSS, they must project "eminently meritorious and valuable service rendered while holding a position of great responsibility." In addition to this, the officer: • must have a minimum of six months in the position, • must belong to the upper 25% of commanders when compared to other commanders of the unit (for Command positions), and/or • must have introduced major innovations and systems beneficial to the unit (for Staff positions) In the context of this award, the service being attributed to the conferment is exceptional (i.e. not a superior performance of duties normal to the grade, branch, specialty of assignment and experience of the recipient; the "bare minimum"). The accomplishment of the service attributed to the conferment of the DSS should have been completed prior to submitting a recommendation, or if the recipient being recommended has been transferred (to another unit) prior to completion of said service. The accomplishment must have progressed to what may clearly be determined to be exceptional or significant. In case that the recipient is involved in a disreputable activity or a pending legal case, such shall not affect the achievement incurred warranting the conferment of the DSS. This scenario can be recognized for service awards, as honorable service is a criterion.

• GEN Douglas MacArthur, USA - commander, United States Army Forces Far East (USAFFE) during the Second World War; conferred by President Quezon on February 20, 1942, for his service and commitment to the Philippines "as one of the greatest heritages of the Filipino people."