The Distinguished Service Cross
An authoritative exploration of the U.S. Army's second-highest military decoration for extraordinary heroism, detailing its history, criteria, recipients, and significance.
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Defining Valor
The Medal's Purpose
The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) stands as the United States Army's second-highest military decoration. It is bestowed upon soldiers who exhibit extraordinary heroism while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States, or in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. The actions recognized must be of a caliber that elevates the recipient above those recognized by other combat decorations, yet falls short of the stringent criteria for the Medal of Honor.
Equivalence and Precedence
The Army's Distinguished Service Cross holds parity with similar high-level awards in other branches: the Navy Cross for Naval Services, the Air Force Cross for Air and Space Forces, and the Coast Guard Cross. Historically, prior to the establishment of the Air Force Cross in 1960, airmen were also awarded the Army's DSC. It ranks second only to the Medal of Honor in the order of precedence for U.S. military decorations.
Distinction from the DSM
It is essential to differentiate the Distinguished Service Cross from the Distinguished Service Medal. While both are prestigious Army awards, the DSC is exclusively for acts of extraordinary heroism in combat. Conversely, the Distinguished Service Medal recognizes exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility, without the requirement of combat valor.
Medal Design and Ribbon
The Cross Itself
The Distinguished Service Cross is crafted from bronze, measuring 2 inches (5.1 cm) in height and 1 13/16 inches (4.6 cm) in width. Its design features an eagle at the center, with a scroll bearing the inscription "FOR VALOR" positioned below it. The reverse side of the cross is encircled by a wreath, providing space for the recipient's name to be engraved.
Service Ribbon Configuration
The accompanying service ribbon, 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm) wide, is composed of distinct color stripes. It begins with a 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) stripe of Old Glory Red, followed by a 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) stripe of White. The central portion features a 1 inch (25 mm) stripe of Imperial Blue, bordered by another 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) White stripe, and concluding with a final 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) stripe of Old Glory Red.
Award Criteria
Defining Extraordinary Heroism
The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to individuals serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army (or Air Force prior to 1960) who distinguish themselves through extraordinary heroism. This heroism must be demonstrated while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States, participating in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or serving with friendly foreign forces in an armed conflict where the U.S. is not a belligerent. The acts of valor must be so notable and involve such an extraordinary risk of life as to set the individual apart from their comrades.
Historical Context and Evolution
Establishment and Early Awards
President Woodrow Wilson established the Distinguished Service Cross on January 2, 1918. The impetus came from General John J. Pershing, who recommended a distinct award for valor beyond the Medal of Honor, aligning with recognition practices of European armies. The initial awards were made during World War I, with some retroactive awards granted for actions preceding the war, including the Philippine-American War, the Boxer Rebellion, and the Pancho Villa Expedition.
Design Evolution
The initial design was conceptualized by Captain Aymar Embury II and Lieutenant J. Andre Smith. The first medals were struck by the U.S. Mint based on a sculpture by Gaetano Cecere. Minor modifications were later made to the design, with John R. Sinnock, who also sculpted the Purple Heart, creating the second and current version. The urgency of WWI necessitated the initial distribution of the first 100 medals from the original design.
Awarding History Across Conflicts
World War I
During World War I, 6,309 awards were presented to 6,185 recipients. Notably, several soldiers, including aviators like Captain Eddie Rickenbacker (who received a record eight DSCs), received multiple awards. Prominent figures such as Billy Mitchell, Frank Luke, and George S. Patton Jr. were among the recipients. The award also recognized individuals who later achieved significant civilian or military prominence, such as Sam Ervin and Dwight F. Davis.
Interwar Period and World War II
In the period between the World Wars, awards were made for actions in conflicts like the Russian Civil War, and numerous retroactive awards were granted for earlier engagements. During World War II, over 5,000 awards were made. Notable recipients included women like Jeannette Guyot and Virginia Hall, and individuals who had previously received the DSC in earlier conflicts, such as Chester Hirschfelder and George S. Patton Jr.
Korean War
The Korean War saw over 800 awards, with more than 300 being posthumous. Recipients included figures like Robert R. Martin and Lewis Millett, some of whom also received the Medal of Honor. Several individuals, including William T. Whisner and Thomas Tackaberry, received multiple DSCs across different conflicts. Notable leaders like Creighton Abrams Jr. and Matthew B. Ridgway were also honored.
Vietnam War
Over 1,000 awards were presented during the Vietnam War, with nearly 400 being posthumous. Helicopter pilot Patrick Brady and Special Forces NCO Robert L. Howard received both the Medal of Honor and the DSC. Commanders like James F. Hollingsworth and Thomas H. Tackaberry received multiple DSCs. Figures such as Richard Winters and David H. Hackworth were also recognized for their exceptional valor.
Post-Vietnam Era
Since the Vietnam War, the Distinguished Service Cross has continued to be awarded for actions in conflicts such as Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Awards have been made for actions in operations and incidents in locations like Afghanistan, Iraq, and during the 2012 Benghazi attack. Master Sergeant Brendan W. O'Connor and Colonel Mark E. Mitchell are among the recipients from this period.
Distinguished Recipients
Key Figures Honored
The Distinguished Service Cross has been awarded to a vast array of individuals who demonstrated exceptional bravery. This list includes legendary figures from various conflicts, many of whom went on to achieve the highest ranks in military service or significant roles in public life. The table below highlights some of the most notable recipients, underscoring the breadth of service and sacrifice recognized by this decoration.
Revocation and Upgrades
Reasons for Revocation
In certain instances, awards of the Distinguished Service Cross have been revoked. Common reasons include the award being upgraded to the Medal of Honor, the issuance of duplicate awards for the same action, or the need for republication with a revised citation. These adjustments have occurred throughout the decoration's history, reflecting ongoing reviews and corrections.
Historical Reviews and Upgrades
Significant reviews, sometimes mandated by Congress, have led to the upgrading of DSCs to the Medal of Honor. These reviews have addressed historical inequities, particularly concerning awards to minority groups during World War II. For example, several awards to African American soldiers were upgraded in the 1990s, and similar reviews recognized Asian American and Hispanic American veterans. These processes underscore a commitment to ensuring accurate and equitable recognition of valor.
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References
References
- Robert Reinhold Martin
- James Henry Coffman Jr.: Home of record: Barrington Massachusetts, Military Times Hall of Valor.
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Academic Disclaimer
Important Considerations
This content has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended for informational and educational purposes at a graduate-level academic standard. The information presented should not be considered definitive or a substitute for primary source verification or expert consultation.
This is not official military documentation or advice. Users are encouraged to consult official military records and historical archives for the most authoritative information. The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided herein.