Medal
A gold disc 1 9/16 inches (3.97 cm) in height and 1 7/16 inches (3.65 cm) in width, with a wreath on the lower half of the rim denoting nonmilitary service. The equilateral triangle is symbolic of the civilian. Displayed on the triangle is the eagle from the Great Seal of the United States. The reverse of the medal is inscribed ''AWARDED TO'' ''FOR DISTINGUISHED CIVILIAN SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
Ribbon
The medal is suspended from a ribbon 1 3/8 inches in width consisting of the following stripes: 1/16'' White, 1/16'' Ultramarine Blue, 1/16'' White, 1/16'' Old Glory Red, 1/16'' White, 1/16'' Ultramarine Blue, 5/8'' White, 1/16'' Ultramarine Blue, 1/16'' White, 1/16'' Old Glory Red, 1/16'' White, 1/16'' Ultramarine Blue, 1/16'' White.
See Army Regulation 672-20, Incentive Awards.
The medal was established by directive of the Secretary of the Army as the Distinguished Civilian Service Award in May 1956. In November 2014, the Secretary of the Army approved a modification to the Department of the Army Public Service Medals in order to make their nomenclature more consistent with their military equivalents. At that time the award was renamed the Distinguished Public Service Medal and the inscription on the reverse was changed accordingly. This award consistsof a regular size medal, miniature size medal, service ribbon, lapel button and certificate.