The Commendation for Distinguished Service was introduced in 1991 and is awarded for distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations.
The insignia is nickel-silver with a Federation Star superimposed on a row of flames.
The insignia is mounted on a plain ochre-red ribbon. A miniature insignia is worn on the ribbon bar.
Further awards are made by Warrant describing the separate action being recognised. Second and subsequent awards are denoted by additional Commendation insignia that are attached to the ribbon above the insignia of previous awards. No additional insignia are added to the ribbon bar.
There is no entitlement to post-nominal letters for recipients of the Commendation for Distinguished Service.