Career civilian employees of the OSD, the Department of Defense, and the Federal government are eligible.

This award consists of a medal, lapel pin, and citation signed by the Secretary or Head of an OSD Component.

Subsequent awards consist of the foregoing recognition devices and a bronze, silver, or gold palm, as appropriate.

In lieu of this award, Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service is presented to those 'non-career civilian employees, private citizens, and foreign nationals', for their contributions, assistance, or support who do not derive his or her principal livelihood from U.S. Government employment.

29, "Incentive Awards," January 8, 1990 (hereby canceled) (b) Title 5, United States Code, "Government Organization and Employees" (c) Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, "Administrative Personnel" (d) DoD 1400.25-M, "Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Manual," December 1996, authorized by DoD Directive 1400.25, November 25, 1996