The State of Maryland Distinguished Service Cross (SDSC) may be awarded to any active or former member of the Maryland National Guard, any member of the active or retired military services who, while serving in any capacity and any branch of said service, shall have distinguished themselves in an act of valor or by service beyond the call of normal duty to the Maryland National Guard and the State of Maryland

Maryland

Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...

 in a duty of great responsibility.

For service not related to war, the term “duty of great responsibility” applies to a narrower range of positions than in time of war and requires evidence of conspicuous significant achievement. However, justification of the decoration may accrue by virtue of outstanding and meritorious service in a succession of positions of great importance.

The award of this medal

Medal

A medal, or medallion, is generally a circular object that has been sculpted, molded, cast, struck, stamped, or some way rendered with an insignia, portrait, or other artistic rendering. A medal may be awarded to a person or organization as a form of recognition for athletic, military, scientific,...

is not restricted to any specific period of time.

Description: Medal to be a combination of enameled cross bottony with State of Maryland Shield superimposed over the face of the cross. The ribbon is dark scarlet red. The “V” device will be worn when the award was for an act of valor. Neck band ribbon is authorized for wear when purchased by, or awarded to, the individual.