The Outstanding Service Medal (OSM) is the third-highest honor the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service can award its officers. Recipients of the award fall into one of three categories, with the most common being those who have displayed ongoing outstanding leadership in carrying out the Corps’ mission goals of the protection, promotion, and advancement of the nation’s health and safety. The OSM is also awarded to officers credited with an accomplishment that has had a significant impact on the health of the country, as well as for a heroic act that preserved life or health.
When presented to an officer for an act of heroism, the OSM may be awarded “With Valor,” designated by a bronze “V” device. The “V” device is not issued simply because an officer in the Corps carried out an assignment that involved exposure to dangerous or even life-threatening conditions. Instead, this recognition is reserved for positive acts that go beyond the completion of a task or tasks that are inherent in an assignment and which clearly display bravery or courage. In determining the applicability of awarding the OSM “With Valor,” the awarding authorities must weigh the risk to the officer’s safety against the courage demonstrated in his or her actions.
As you can imagine, the OSM is not frequently awarded, in part because of the high bar that set by the USPHS’ Commissioned Officers’ Awards Program. Another factor is that recommendations for the decoration must be must be initiated formally within thirteen months of the act or the end of the period of service that is to be recognized.