| |
Distinguished Service
Cross |
|
|
|
|
| Service: |
Army |
|
Authorization: |
DOD 1348-33-M |
| Instituted: |
1918 |
|
|
|
Description:
- Authorized by
Section 3742, title 10, U.S.C..
- Awarded
pursuant to Section 3742, title 10, U.S.C., to Service members who, while
serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army, distinguish themselves by
extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of the MOH under any of the
following circumstances:
- While
engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.
- While
engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign
force.
- 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.
|
- BACKGROUND
- The
Distinguished Service Cross was established by President Woodrow Wilson on
January 2, 1918. General Pershing, Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary
Forces in France, had recommended that recognition other than the Medal of
Honor, be authorized for the Armed Forces of the United States for service
rendered, in like manner, to that awarded by the European Armies. The request
for establishment of the medal was forwarded from the Secretary of War to the
President in a letter dated December 28, 1917. The Act of Congress establishing
this award (193-65th Congress) dated July 9, 1918 is contained in Title 10
United States Code (USC) 3742. The establishment of the Distinguished Service
Cross was promulgated in War Department General Order No. 6, dated January 12,
1918.
- The first
design of the Distinguished Service Cross was cast and manufactured by the
United States Mint at Philadelphia. The die was cast from the approved design
prepared by Lieutenant Aymar E. Embry, Engineers Officer Reserve Corps. Upon
examination of the first medals struck at the Mint, it was considered advisable
to make certain minor changes to add to the beauty and the attractiveness of
the medal. Due to the importance of the time element involved in furnishing the
decorations to General Pershing, one hundred of the medals were struck from the
original design and numbered 1 to 100. These medals were furnished with the
provision that these crosses be replaced when the supply of the second design
was accomplished which would also be numbered 1 to 100.
- Title 10,
USC 3991, provides for a 10% increase in retired pay for enlisted personnel who
have retired with more than 20 years of service if they have been awarded the
Distinguished Service Cross.
|
){kind=link}