The Brigadier General Robert L. Denig Sr. Memorial Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is presented annually to a person or persons who, in the judgment of the USMCCCA board of directors has or have made an especially significant contribution to the perpetuation of the ideals, traditions, stature and achievements of the United States Marine Corps.

The award shall be made only to civilian practitioners of mass communications.

The award was established by the USMCCCA IN 1968 to provide special recognition to civilian mass communication practitioners who, through their professional efforts, dispense exceptional and factual portrayals of the idealism performance, achievements and traditions of the United States Marine Corps.

The Distinguished Performance Award reflects the dedication of the United States Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Associations and its members to professional excellence in the field of public communications, and recognition of the vital role of media in informing the public, shaping public opinion and eliciting the understanding and support of the United States Marine Corps.