The Public Health Service Commendation Medal honors PHSCC members who carry out service in excess of expectations for their position.
The United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC) is the United States Public Health Service’s federal uniformed branch of service and falls under the aegis of the Department of Health and Human Services, led by the Surgeon General. The PHSCC traces its roots back to the establishment of the Marine Hospital Fund in 1798, which provided for the care of merchant sailors. Currently, the PHSCC is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. The PHSCC grants certain awards to its members to acknowledge meritorious service or accomplishments.
The medal features the PHSCC emblem encircled by an inscription reading “PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The ribbon is maroon with a thin vertical white stripe and a slightly thicker dark blue stripe on each edge proceeding outward.