The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal. illustrated by Virginia Reyes of the Air Force News Agency. This image is 4x6 inches @ 200 ppi. The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal was created on July 6, 1960 by an act of the United States Congress. It was intended as a new decoration of the United States Air Force to replace the policy of awarding the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Air Force personnel. The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to any member of the United States Air Force who has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States Government in a duty of great responsibility. The medal is typically awarded to senior Air Force generals.