Distinguished Service Cross (Army and Navy)

The Distinguished Service Cross is the Hierarchy Army and Navy's second highest military decoration for soldiers and naval officers 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 Hierarchy combat decorations, but which do not meet the criteria for the Medal of Heroism. The Army and Navy Distinguished Service Cross is equivalent to the Sword Masters Corps' Cross, the Air Force and Space Corps' Air Force Cross, and the Peace Guard Cross. Prior to the creation of the Air Force Cross in 1970, air force personnel were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.