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Awarded by United States Army, Type Medal Awarded for "Extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force." Status Currently awarded Statistics First awarded 1918 Precedence Next (higher) Medal of Honor Same Army - Distinguished Service Cross
Navy - Navy Cross Air Force - Air Force Cross

Next (lower) Distinguished Service Medals: Defense, Army, Nave, Air Force, Coast Guard.

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Obverse of the original Distinguished Service Cross (Left) and the Reverse of the current Distinguished Service Cross (Right)

The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor; while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing/foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his comrades.