distinguished_service_medal_(united_states_navy) | higher | department_of_commerce_gold_medal <tsp> alan_shepard | deathplace | california <tsp> alan_shepard | birthplace | new_hampshire <tsp> alan_shepard | birthdate | '1923-11-18' <tsp> alan_shepard | awards | distinguished_service_medal_(united_states_navy) <sep> the navy distinguished service medal is a military decoration of the united states navy and united states marine corps which was first created in 1919 and is presented to sailors and marines to recognize distinguished and exceptionally meritorious service to the united states while serving in a duty or position of great responsibilitynavy distinguished service medal is equivalent to the army's distinguished service medal, air and space forces' air force distinguished service medal, and the coast guard distinguished service medal the navy distinguished service medal was originally senior to the navy cross, until august 1942 when the precedence of the two decorations was reversed  currently, it is worn after the defense distinguished service medal and before the silver star medal 
alan shepard (born november 18th. 1923. new hampshire) was awarded the united states navy distinguished service medal which is higher than the department of commerce gold medal has died in california.the navy distinguished service medal states was created in 1919