Civilian and Military decals are available in Rifle and Pistol versions! Distinquished Rifle and pistol shooters can now obtain a special decal with the distinguished badge graphic in several sizes. The smallest one is the same size as your distinguished pin. Next size up is 3" X 2 5/8". Then there's the Big one at 3 7/8" X 3 1/4. The pictured decals will not be to scale. The decals were created by Distinguished Rifleman Kelly McDowell of Yuma, AZ. The Civilian, Army, Air Force and Navy and Marine versions are available. If you're interested in a tasteful way to display your Distinguished award you can contact Mr. McDowell at the address and phone below, or you can send e-mail to Kelly Mcdowell Kelly McDowell 3178 W. Patricia Lane Yuma, AZ 85365 +1 928-276-2552   Decal Price List Micro Decal Small Decal Large Decal $1.00 ea. or 6/$5.00 $2.00 $3.00

The Distinguished award is the pinnacle of military marksmanship in the United States.

General Order 12, dated Feb. 20, l884 established the class of Distinguished Marksmen.

A soldier had to be a member of an army area team three times, or to have won any three of the authorized medals awarded, to be announced by General Order as belonging to the distinguished class of shooters.

The first general order announcing distinguished shooters was G.O. 24, dated March 28, 1884. 14 soldiers were recognized.

In 1887 the first distinguished medals were issued. They had the black and white enamel elliptical target and used a top bar very similiar to the present civilian award. They contained 0.8 Oz. of 14 karat gold, and cost $20.00 each. 60 were delivered at the end of June 1887, and 10 more in October.

From 1889 to 1903 there was no distinguished pistol shot designation, but "LEGS" in cavalry revolver championships were counted toward the distinguished marksman badge.

In 1903 the distinguished pistol badge appeared. On another conflicting note, the Director of Civilian Marksmanship records the date of the distinguished pistol award to 1891.

The Navy and Marine Corp. began issuing distinguished medals to their members around the turn of the century.

In 1923 civilians who had earned 'LEGS', while in service were allowed to compete in designated matches in order to try to win the medal. About 1926 all civilians were allowed to participate.

In 1903 the Army changed their distinguished Marksman badge and in 1959 changed it again from Distinguished Marksman, to Distinguished Rifleman, and changed the top bar from the present civilian bar to the different shield and scroll, and put in the words U.S.ARMY.

Within the last few years (since 1997), the Civilian Marksmanship Program has taken over the task of maintaining the civilian distinguished class award.

For a more comprehensive history of the distinguished badge, look in the May of 1991 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN magazine under the article ''America's Distinguished Marksmen" by Sue Ann Sandusky.

Any new material that can be documented would be greatly appreciated for inclusion into this website for your entertainment and knowledge.