Obverse: profile of reigning monarch Reverse: inscribed 'For distinguished service', within a laurel The Indian Distinguished Service Medal (IDSM) was a military decoration awarded by the British Empire to Indian citizens serving in the Indian armed forces and military police.

However, when eligibility for the Victoria Cross was extended to cover all Commonwealth subjects in 1911, the IDSM became third highest in the order of precedence.

It was instituted in order to recognise acts of gallantry that did not meet the standards required of the IOM.

The obverse depicts the current monarch, while the reverse had the words FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE surrounded by a laurel wreath.

[2] The medals were issued with the details of the recipient engraved or impressed on the rim, including service number, name and regiment.