Obverse.  On a gold disc 1½ inches (3.81cm) in diameter encircled with a stylized laurel wreath overlaid with a partly unfurled scroll inscribed “NASA.”  The scroll across the center separates an astronomical diagram of the Corona Borealis above and beneath it, the semi-circle of seven stars marks the jeweled crown of Ariadne in the southern sky with the center of the diadem interjacent with the scroll.

Reverse. The reverse of the medal consists within a wreath of laurel above a scroll to inscribed “Outstanding Public Achievement,” the seven stars of the Corona Borealis representing the best attributes of leadership and below the scroll a spray of stars representing the multiple means of proceeding.

Symbolism.  The image of Ariadne’s Crown, also known as the Corona Borealis, is a semi-circle of seven stars forming a constellation in the configuration of a Celestial Crown.  Ariadne aided Theseus in escaping by giving him the tools to lead him out of the labyrinth.  The term “Ariadne’s Thread” is a term used to describe the solving of a problem with multiple means of proceeding.  The image of Ariadne’s Crown and the image of a stylized constellation is used to symbolize the multiple skills used in Public Leadership, especially in the skill of advanced, complex problem-solving.

Ribbon.  The ribbon is 1-3/8 inches ( 3.49cm) in width, composed of the following vertical stripes: 5/16 inch (.79cm) Bluebird 67117; 5/16 inch (.79cm) Cobalt Blue 67122; 1/8 inch (.32cm) Goldenlight 67107; 5/16 inch (.79cm) Cobalt Blue 67122; 5/16 inch (.79cm) Bluebird 67117.