History:
The medal is awarded to Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officers and men of the navy (or army and air force personnel of equal rank serving with the fleet) who show themselves to the fore in action, and set an example of bravery and resource under fire, but without performing acts of such pre-eminent bravery as would render them eligible to receive the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.

Bar:
The silver, laurelled bar is awarded for additional acts of bravery. First World War bars are undated.

Observe:
King George VI:A crowned effigy, facing left, and one of the legends:

(a) GEORGEIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX ET INDIAE IMP: (for WWII).

Queen Elizabeth II: A crowned effigy, facing right, and the legend:
ELIZABETH II D: G: BR: OMN: REGINA R: D: (for Korea).

Reverse:
The reverse shows the legend FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE in three lines, encircled by a laurel wreath and surmounted by an Imperial Crown.

Mounting:
A straight suspender is fastened to the medal with a single-toe claw.

Ribbon:
The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide and consists of three equal stripes: dark blue, white, and dark blue, with a thin dark blue stripe down the centre of the white.

Naming:
The edge of the medal was impressed until 1944, and thereafter engraved with the service number, rank, initials, surname and service of the recipient.