page_title: Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal
section_title: Notable recipients
hierarchical_section_title: Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal / Notable recipients
caption_attribution_description: English: Image of U.S. Air Force General Craig R. McKinley (Retired), outgoing National Guard Bureau Chief, speaks during the change-of-responsibility ceremony.
context_page_description: The Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the Department of Homeland Security, which is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States for exceptionally meritorious service. The current version of the medal was established in February 2003, retroactive to March 1, 2002.
context_section_description: Admiral Thad W. Allen, first recipient in 2006 for his service in response to Hurricane Katrina, subsequent award in 2010 at the end of his term as Commandant of the Coast Guard
  Admiral Thomas H. Collins, in 2006 at the end of his term as Commandant of the Coast Guard
  Vice Admiral Vivien Crea, in 2009 at the end of her term as Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard
  General Craig R. McKinley, in 2012 at the end of his tenure as the Chief of the National Guard Bureau
  Admiral Charles D. Michel, in 2018 at the end of his term as Vice-Commandant of the Coast Guard
  Admiral Robert J. Papp, in 2014 at the end of his term as Commandant of the Coast Guard
  Vice Admiral David Pekoske, in 2010 at the end of his term as Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard
  Admiral Paul F. Zukunft, in 2011 for his service in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and in 2018 at the end of his term as Commandant of the Coast Guard
caption: General Craig McKinley speaks after being awarded the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal. First DoD member to be awarded the medal.
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