The Distinguished Service Cross (abbreviation DSC) is the second highest military award that can be given to a member of the United States Army. It is awarded for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations, but are not high enough for the Medal of Honor. The Distinguished Service Cross is the same as the Navy Cross (Navy and Marine Corps). The Air Force) has the Air Force Cross and the Coast Guard has the equivalent Coast Guard Cross. All are equivalent (equal) awards.
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the Distinguished Service Cross?
A: The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military award that can be given to a member of the United States Army.
Q: What actions merit the Distinguished Service Cross?
A: Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations and involve extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force.
Q: What is the difference between the Distinguished Service Cross and the Medal of Honor?
A: The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded for actions that are not high enough for the Medal of Honor but still above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations.
Q: What other military branches have equivalent awards to the Distinguished Service Cross?
A: The Navy and Marine Corps have the same award, called the Navy Cross, the Air Force has the Air Force Cross, and the Coast Guard has the Coast Guard Cross. All are equivalent (equal) awards.
Q: Is the Distinguished Service Cross only awarded to members of the United States Army?
A: Yes, the Distinguished Service Cross is only awarded to members of the United States Army.
Q: What kind of activities could warrant the award of the Distinguished Service Cross?
A: Activities that involve extreme bravery and risk of life in the face of an armed enemy force, but do not meet the requirements for the Medal of Honor, could warrant the award of the Distinguished Service Cross.
Q: Why is the Distinguished Service Cross considered one of the highest military awards?
A: The Distinguished Service Cross is considered one of the highest military awards because it is only awarded for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force at a level above all other U.S. combat decorations, except the Medal of Honor.