Distinguished Service Cross (USA)

The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the second highest military decoration of the United States Army which is awarded for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions which merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree to be above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations but not meeting the criteria for the Medal of Honor. The Distinguished Service Cross is equivalent to the Navy Cross (Navy and Marine Corps) and the Air Force Cross (Air Force).

Description

• Shape: Uniform cross
• Material: Bronze
• Dimensions: Two inches (51 mm) in height, 1 13/16 inches (46 mm) in width
• Features: An eagle in the center with a scroll beneath reading FOR VALOR
• Ribbon: Imperial Blue in the center with stripes of white and Old Glory Red on the edges

The name of the recipient is engraved on the rear of the cross, encircled by a wreath. Multiple awards of the Distinguished Service Cross are denoted by oak leaf clusters.

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