The Kentucky National Guard Distinguished Service Ribbon honors Kentucky National Guard members who carry out noteworthy service on behalf of Kentucky in a position of significant responsibility, including feats of heroism and often involving the risk of injury.
The Kentucky National Guard is composed of the Kentucky Army National Guard and the Kentucky Air National Guard; it was converted from the Kentucky State Guard into its current form in 1912 and saw its first official service in this incarnation supporting efforts to contain border violence during the Mexican Revolution. The Army component is headquartered in Frankfort, and the Air component, established in 1947, consists of the 123d Airlift Wing and makes its base in Louisville.
The medal is gold and features the Kentucky State Seal encircled by a laurel wreath and inscriptions reading “KENTUCKY” and “DISTINGUISHED SERVICE.” The ribbon is blue and is bisected by a thin vertical red stripe flanked on either side by a slightly thicker white stripe.