Final answer:
The Distinguished Service Medal is the award for outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States by members of the U.S. Armed Forces or allied forces.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medal awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States, or members of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation, who distinguish themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States is the Distinguished Service Medal (Option C). This recognition is given to those who display exceptional performance of duty, contributing to national security or defense. Examples of such recognition include General George Marshall awarding Frank Capra the Distinguished Service Cross in 1945 for Capra's influential war effort films. Similarly, African American soldiers from New York were awarded medals by the French government for heroism during World War I, showing that such honors are an international practice to acknowledge military excellence.