The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal was created by an act of the United States Congress on July 6, 1960. The medal was intended as a new decoration of the United States Air Force to replace the policy of awarding the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Air Force personnel.

Until 1955, the official title of the new decoration was Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force). After the Korean War, the medal was referred to by its current name.

The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to any member of the United States Force who has distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States Government in a duty of great responsibility. The medal is typically awarded to senior Air Force Generals.

The first recipient of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal was Major General Osmond J. Ritland, USAF, who received his medal on November 30, 1965.

See also: Awards and decorations of the United States military