Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service
The Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service is the highest award granted by the Secretary of the Army to Army civilian personnel. It consists of a medal, lapel button, and citation certificate. With the exception of nominations for bravery, nominees must have established a demonstrable pattern of excellence and achievement which normally have been recognized by previous awards up to and including the Meritorious Civilian Service Award. Eligibility is determined by measuring contributions against the following example levels of achievement:
- Accomplished assigned duties of major program significance to the Department of the Army in such a way as to have been clearly exceptional or preeminent among all persons who have performed similar duties.
- Developed and improved major methods and procedures, developed significant inventions, or was responsible for exceptional achievements that effected large-scale savings or were of major significance in advancing the missions of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, and the Federal Government.
- Provided outstanding leadership to the administration of major Army programs resulting in highly successful mission accomplishment or in the major redirection of objectives or accomplishments to meet unique or emergency situations.
- Exhibited great courage and voluntary risk of life in performing an act resulting in direct benefit to the Government or its personnel.
This award is comparable to the military Distinguished Service Medal.