Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)

Overview

The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) is an Australian military honour awarded to recognise distinguished leadership in warlike operations. The award was approved by the Governor-General in 2018 for Lieutenant Colonel (then Captain) Gregory Vivian Gilbert, who displayed exceptional leadership during operations in Vietnam in 1971. Captain Gilbert's actions, which involved directing artillery fire to assist Delta Company, 4th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, in withdrawing from a heavily defended enemy bunker system, were pivotal in ensuring the success of the operation and the safety of his unit. This award serves to recognise the bravery and skill of Australian military personnel in the face of adversity. The policy objective of the DSM is to honour those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and bravery in the field, thereby encouraging such conduct in future operations and recognising the service of past members of the Australian Defence Force.

Scope and Application

The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) awarded to Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Gregory Vivian Gilbert recognises his distinguished leadership in warlike operations while serving as Forward Observer for the 12th Field Regiment, attached to Delta Company, 4th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, during the Vietnam War on 21 September 1971. The award is granted in recognition of his actions during operations in the north of Phuoc Tuy province, South Vietnam, where he skilfully directed artillery fire, enabling Delta Company to successfully extricate itself from a strongly defended enemy bunker system. This DSM is specifically designated for Australian Army personnel and recognises individual acts of distinguished conduct in warlike operations, highlighting the bravery and skill demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert in the face of a highly motivated and aggressive enemy.

Key Provisions

The Gazette notification, C2018G00086, confirms the Governor-General's approval of the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) to Lieutenant Colonel (then Captain) Gregory Vivian Gilbert (Retd) for his distinguished leadership in warlike operations in Vietnam on 21 September 1971. The medal recognises his exceptional service as a Forward Observer with the 12th Field Regiment, attached to Delta Company, 4th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment. The award highlights Gilbert's role in directing artillery fire during a challenging operation in the north of Phuoc Tuy province, South Vietnam, where his precise and sustained fire support was instrumental in enabling Delta Company to extricate itself from a heavily defended enemy bunker system and subsequently hold a secure position until relieved. The award imposes no obligations or requirements on any parties or entities beyond the recognition of the individual's distinguished service. The Distinguished Service Medal is a prestigious award within the Australian military honours system, acknowledging outstanding leadership and bravery in warlike operations. The act of awarding the DSM to Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert serves to honour his service and the critical role he played in a significant military operation, thus contributing to the broader narrative of Australian military history. There are no specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences mentioned in the Gazette notification for the award of the DSM to Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert. The award itself is an acknowledgment of his service and does not carry any punitive measures or legal implications. Instead, it represents a formal recognition of his distinguished leadership and bravery, providing him with a formal and lasting testament to his contributions during his military service. The focus of the notification is on the recognition and the commendation of his actions rather than on any legal or punitive consequences.