Distinguished Service Cross

Distinguished Service Cross medal

faithful replica in metal and original size, ribbon included

President Woodrow Wilson established the Army decoration on Jan. 2, 1918, at the request of Army Gen. John J. Pershing.

With U.S. troops fighting in World War I, Pershing saw the need for a decoration recognizing heroism of a lesser degree than required for the Medal of Honor to allow soldiers to be more quickly rewarded for combat gallantry. Awards of allies, such as the British Military Cross and the French Croix de Guerre, served as inspiration.

The original Distinguished Service Cross was a bronze cross with an American eagle in the center with its wings spread. Below the eagle was a scroll with the words “E Pluribus Unum.” The second (and current) version has the words “For Valor” and a slightly larger eagle imposed on a circular wreath of laurel leaves, a traditional symbol of courage and victory in battle. The ribbon colors are based on those of the American flag.