Distinguished Service Cross (United States)

Distinguished Service Cross (United States). The Distinguished Service Cross is the United States Army's second-highest military decoration for valor, ranking directly below the Medal of Honor. It is awarded for extraordinary heroism in combat against an armed enemy of the United States. The medal is equivalent to the Navy Cross and the Air Force Cross.

History and establishment

The Distinguished Service Cross was established on January 2, 1918, during World War I via an act of Congress, and its creation was announced by General of the Armies John J. Pershing. Prior to its establishment, the only American award for combat heroism was the Medal of Honor, which led to a need for a recognized tier of valor awards. The first awards were made retroactively for actions during the American Expeditionary Forces' campaigns, including the Battle of Cantigny and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The authority to award the decoration was originally limited to the period of World War I, but it was later extended by subsequent acts of Congress to cover future conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Criteria and description

The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to any person serving in any capacity with the United States Army who distinguishes themselves by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of the Medal of Honor. The act of heroism must occur in action against an enemy of the United States or during military operations involving conflict with a foreign force. The medal is a bronze cross with an eagle centered on a wreath, superimposed on a crossed sword and fasces. The reverse is plain for engraving the recipient's name. The ribbon is blue with narrow white and red stripes at the edges. Multiple awards are denoted by oak leaf clusters.

Notable recipients

Many notable soldiers have received the Distinguished Service Cross, often for actions that later became legendary. Audie Murphy, the most decorated U.S. soldier of World War II, received the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism in the Colmar Pocket fighting. Douglas MacArthur was awarded the medal twice for his leadership in the Philippines Campaign (1941–1942). Other prominent recipients include George S. Patton for actions at the Battle of Saint-Mihiel, Chesty Puller of the United States Marine Corps (one of the few non-Army recipients), and Matt Urban for multiple acts of valor in Europe. More recent recipients include members of the 75th Ranger Regiment and Special Forces in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Comparison with other awards

The Distinguished Service Cross is the Army's direct equivalent to the Navy Cross for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps and the Air Force Cross for the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. All three are second only to the Medal of Honor in their respective services' order of precedence for valor. It is distinct from the Distinguished Service Medal, which is awarded for exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility, not for combat heroism. The Silver Star is the third-highest award for combat valor.

Order of precedence and wear

In the United States Army's order of precedence for awards and decorations, the Distinguished Service Cross is worn immediately after the Medal of Honor and before the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. When worn with other service crosses, such as the Navy Cross or Air Force Cross, they are worn in the order of receipt. The medal is typically presented in a formal ceremony by a high-ranking official such as the Secretary of the Army, the Army Chief of Staff, or a senior General. Regulations governing its wear are detailed in Army Regulation 670-1.

Category:Military awards and decorations of the United States Category:United States Army awards