The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the United States Army’s second-highest military decoration for soldiers who display extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree that they are above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations but which do not meet the criteria for the Medal of Honor. The Army Distinguished Service Cross is equivalent to the Naval Services’ Navy Cross, the Air and Space Forces’ Air Force Cross, and the Coast Guard Cross. Before creating the Air Force Cross in 1960, airmen were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
