Distinguished Service Cross Ribbon / Medal Details

Details for the Distinguished Service Cross

Date Authorized: January 2nd, 1918 by President Woodrow Wilson per General Pershing

Ribbon Identification Colors: red (67156); white (67101); blue (67175); gold

Visual Description (Ribbon):

1-3/8 inches in width; red-white-blue-white-red color pattern from left to right.

Visual Description (Medal):

Bronze cross suspended from ribbon via ring; eagle at center of cross with open scroll below showcasing "FOR VALOR" inscription; the reverse side has a wreath over the center point of the cross; the recipient's name is inscribed within the wreath; the original DSC design is more ornate along the cross surfaces with a different eagle design and no wreath but still containing the scroll.

Award Criteria:

Awarded to the individual in service with the Army, having distinguished themself in an act of such extraordinary heroism against an enemy of the United States well above his or her own comrades; this award is given when the act does not justify the awarding of the Medal of Honor.

For official awarding criteria per the US military, please visit: http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Awards/order_of_precedence.aspx