Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Distinguished Courage and Self-Sacrifice
Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Distinguished Courage and Self-Sacrifice () is one of the highest medals that can be bestowed upon an individual by the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and was created on July 3, 1975. Technical specifications. General. Silver laurels encircling the gold medal that has an engraving of the Mehmetçik, the legendary and symbolic Turkish soldier, on top. Decoration (regular size). Made of three pieces Decoration (miniature size). Made of three pieces Criteria. During war or peace, it is bestowed on individuals or regiments who have accomplished their  missions with great courage and self-sacrifice while risking their lives. The medal can be given to civilians or soldiers, regardless of nationality. Its bestowment is proposed by either the Deputy Minister for National Defense or by any of the Commanders of the four branches of the TAF, namely the Army, the Navy, the Air Force or the Gendarmerie (with the exception of the Commander of the fifth branch, the Coast Guard). The outcome of any proposition depends on the approval of the Chief of the General Staff.