"Recognition of exceptionally outstanding leadership, professional competence, and significant accomplishment over a sustained period of time in the field of foreign affairs"
The Secretary's Distinguished Service Award is an award of the United States Department of State. It is presented at the discretion of the Secretary of State in recognition of exceptionally outstanding leadership, professional competence, and significant accomplishment over a sustained period of time in the field of foreign affairs. Such achievements must be of notable national or international significance and have made an important contribution to the advancement of U.S. national interests.[1][better source needed]
The award is personally authorized by the Secretary of State provided that one of the criteria eligibility in Foreign Affairs Manual is met. It may be presented to members of the foreign affairs communities.
The award consists of a gold medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary of State. The specific criteria for the issuance of the Secretary’s Award is determined by the Secretary of State.
Nominating and approval procedures
Nominations for the Secretary's Distinguished Service Award are normally initiated by the Secretary of State. However, officials at assistant secretary or higher level who wish to recommend an individual for this award may do so by submitting a memorandum of justification, cleared by the Director General, to the Executive Secretary of the Department.
^For distinguished service in the conduct of Foreign Relations of the United States. As High Commissioner and Ambassador to Austria, his firmness, patience, negotiating skill, and good judgment were in large part responsible for the successful conclusion of the Trieste Agreement and the Austrian State Treaty. This last achievement has been recognized by he Free World as one which could be a turning point in our struggle for peace." Issued 4/4/1956, Thompson Family Archives.
