The
Distinguished Service Cross (
DSC) is the second highest
military decorationAwards and decorations of the United States Military are military decorations which recognize service and personal accomplishments while a member of the United States armed forces...
that can be awarded to a member of the
United States ArmyThe United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree to be above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations but not meeting the criteria for the
Medal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
. The Distinguished Service Cross is equivalent to the
Navy CrossThe Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
(
NavyThe United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
,
Marine CorpsThe United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
, and
Coast GuardThe United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
) and the
Air Force CrossThe Air Force Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Air Force. The Air Force Cross is the Air Force decoration equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross and the Navy Cross .The Air Force Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism...
(
Air ForceThe United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
).
The Distinguished Service Cross was first awarded during
World War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. In addition, a number of awards were made for actions before World War I. In many cases, these were to soldiers who had received a Certificate of Merit for gallantry which, at the time, was the only other honor for gallantry the Army could award, or recommend a Medal of Honor. Others were belated recognition of actions
in the PhilippinesThe Philippine–American War, also known as the Philippine War of Independence or the Philippine Insurrection , was an armed conflict between a group of Filipino revolutionaries and the United States which arose from the struggle of the First Philippine Republic to gain independence following...
,
on the Mexican BorderThe Pancho Villa Expedition—officially known in the United States as the Mexican Expedition and sometimes colloquially referred to as the Punitive Expedition—was a military operation conducted by the United States Army against the paramilitary forces of Mexican insurgent Francisco "Pancho" Villa...
and during the
Boxer RebellionThe Boxer Rebellion, also called the Boxer Uprising by some historians or the Righteous Harmony Society Movement in northern China, was a proto-nationalist movement by the "Righteous Harmony Society" , or "Righteous Fists of Harmony" or "Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists" , in China between...
.
This decoration is distinct from the
Distinguished Service MedalThe Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
, which is awarded to persons in recognition of exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility.
Description
A cross of
bronzeBronze is a metal alloy consisting primarily of copper, usually with tin as the main additive. It is hard and brittle, and it was particularly significant in antiquity, so much so that the Bronze Age was named after the metal...
, 2 inches in height and 1 13/16 inches in width with an eagle on the center and a scroll below the eagle bearing the inscription "
FOR VALOR". On the reverse side, the center of the cross is circled by a wreath with a space for engraving the name of the recipient.
Ribbon
The
ribbon barRibbon bars are small decorations that are worn by military, police, and fire service personnel or by civilians. Ribbon bars are mainly used when wearing either full decoration, or when wearing medals is considered inappropriate or impractical. Each military force has its own rules on what ribbons...
is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes:
- 1/8 inch Old Glory Red 67156;
- 1/16 inch White 67101;
- 1 inch Imperial Blue 67175;
- 1/16 inch White;
- and 1/8 inch Old Glory Red.
Criteria
The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself or herself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor; while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing/foreign force; or 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. The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades.
Components
The following are authorized components of the Distinguished Service Cross:
- Decoration (regular size): MIL-D-3943/4. NSN 8455-00-269-5745 for decoration set. NSN 8455-00-246-3827 for individual replacement medal.
- Decoration (miniature size): MIL-D-3943/4. NSN 8455-00-996-50007.
- Ribbon: MIL-R-11589/50. NSN 8455-00-252-9919.
- Lapel Button (metal replica of ribbon bar): MIL-L-11484/1. NSN 8455-00-253-0808.
Background
The Distinguished Service Cross was established by President
Woodrow WilsonThomas Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States, from 1913 to 1921. A leader of the Progressive Movement, he served as President of Princeton University from 1902 to 1910, and then as the Governor of New Jersey from 1911 to 1913...
on January 2, 1918.
General PershingJohn Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing, GCB , was a general officer in the United States Army who led the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I...
, Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Forces in France, had recommended that recognition other than the
Medal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
be authorized for the
Armed Forces of the United StatesThe United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
for valorous 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 . The establishment of the Distinguished Service Cross was promulgated in War Department General Order No. 6, dated January 12, 1918.
The Distinguished Service Cross was originally designed by
J. Andre SmithJ. Andre Smith was a war artist for the United States Army during World War I.-Biography:J. Andre Smith, born in Hong Kong, was the son of a sea captain and shipbuilder. After his father's death in 1887 the family lived for a few years in Hamburg, Germany, and then moved permanently to New York...
, an artist employed by the United States Army during World War I. The Distinguished Service Cross was first cast and manufactured by the
United States MintThe United States Mint primarily produces circulating coinage for the United States to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint was created by Congress with the Coinage Act of 1792, and placed within the Department of State...
at Philadelphia,
PennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. The die was cast from the approved design prepared by Captain
Aymar E. Embury IIAymar Embury II was an American architect. He is best known for commissions from the City of New York from the 1930s through to the 1950s. In this period, Embury frequently worked with Robert Moses in the latter's various city and state capacities, especially, early on, in Moses capacity of Parks...
, 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. These medals were furnished with the provision that these crosses be replaced when the supply of the second design was accomplished.
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.
Order of precedence and wear of decorations is contained in
Army Regulation (AR) 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority, supply, and issue of decorations is contained in
AR 600-8-22.
World War I
During
World War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, 6,309 awards of the Distinguished Service Cross were made to 6,185 recipients. Several dozen Army soldiers, as well as eight Marines and two French Army officers, received two Distinguished Service Crosses.
A handful, mostly aviators, were decorated three or more times.
Eddie RickenbackerEdward Vernon Rickenbacker was an American fighter ace in World War I and Medal of Honor recipient. He was also a race car driver and automotive designer, a government consultant in military matters and a pioneer in air transportation, particularly as the longtime head of Eastern Air Lines.-Early...
, the top U.S.
aceA flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
of the war, was awarded a record eight Distinguished Service Crosses, one of which was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor, while flying with the 94th Aero Squadron. He earned ten awards across his whole career. Fellow aviators
Douglas CampbellDouglas Campbell was an American aviator and World War I flying ace. He was the first American aviator flying in an American unit to achieve the status of ace.-Early life:...
, also of the 94th, and
Frank O'Driscoll "Monk" HunterMajor General Frank O. Hunter was a World War I flying ace, one of four United States Army Air Service pilots who downed nine enemy aircraft. Hunter became an advocate of fighter aircraft strategy and tactics. In World War II he served as chief of the VIII Fighter Command and, later, the First Air...
of the
103rd Aero SquadronThe 103rd Aero Squadron was an Aero pursuit squadron which included officers from the disbanded Lafayette Escadrille, and the Lafayette Flying Corps.-History:...
each received five. Another 94th aviator, Reed McKinley Chambers, was awarded four Distinguished Service Crosses. Three aviators received three Distinguished Service Crosses - Murray K. Guthrie of the 13th Aero Squadron, Ralph A. O'Neill of the 147th Aero Squadron, and Glen A. Preston, an aerial observation pilot with the 99th Aero Squadron. Among other prominent aviators were Billy Mitchell, the Chief of Air Service of the American Expeditionary Force;
Frank LukeFrank Luke Jr. was an American fighter ace, ranking second among U.S. Army Air Service pilots after Captain Eddie Rickenbacker in number of aerial victories during World War I . Frank Luke was the first airman to receive the Medal of Honor...
of the 27th Aero Squadron, who was honored with the Medal of Honor and two Distinguished Service Crosses; and
Sumner SewallSumner Sewall was a U.S. Republican politician and airline executive who served as the 58th Governor of Maine from 1941 to 1945. He began his aviation career during World War I as a fighter ace.-Biography:...
of the 95th Aero Squadron, recipient of two Distinguished Service Crosses, who served as
Governor of MaineThe governor of Maine is the chief executive of the State of Maine. Before Maine was admitted to the Union in 1820, Maine was part of Massachusetts and the governor of Massachusetts was chief executive....
from 1941 to 1945.
Edward Peck CurtisMajor General Edward Peck Curtis began his career as a lieutenant in World War I. His six aerial victories made him a flying ace.Born in Rochester, New York, Edward Peck Curtis was a graduate of St. Georges School, Newport, Rhode Island...
, also of the 95th Aero Squadron received the Distinguished Service Cross as a First Lieutenant.
Colonel
John H. ParkerGeneral John Henry Parker aka "Gatling Gun Parker" was a brigadier general in the United States Army. He is best known for his role as the commander of the Gatling Gun Detachment of the U.S...
, the commander of the 102nd Infantry Regiment,
26th DivisionThe 26th Infantry Division was an infantry division of the United States Army. As a major formation of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, it was based in Boston, Massachusetts for most of its history...
, was the only ground soldier in World War I to receive four Distinguished Service Crosses. First Lieutenant Oscar B. Nelson of the 168th Infantry Regiment, 42nd Division, was honored three times, the third award being posthumous.
Several men who had previously received the Medal of Honor received the Distinguished Service Cross in World War I. Most notable of these was Marine legend
Daniel DalySergeant Major Daniel Joseph "Dan" Daly was a United States Marine and one of only nineteen men to have received the Medal of Honor twice...
, who was twice decorated with the Medal of Honor, and who received the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism as First Sergeant of the 73rd Company, Sixth Marine Regiment, during the
Battle of Belleau WoodThe Battle of Belleau Wood occurred during the German 1918 Spring Offensive in World War I, near the Marne River in France. The battle was fought between the U.S...
in June 1918. Col. Charles Evans Kilbourne, Jr., who received the Medal of Honor in the
Philippine InsurrectionThe Philippine–American War, also known as the Philippine War of Independence or the Philippine Insurrection , was an armed conflict between a group of Filipino revolutionaries and the United States which arose from the struggle of the First Philippine Republic to gain independence following...
, was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross as chief of staff of the
89th DivisionThe 89th Infantry Division, known as the "Rolling W," was an infantry unit of the United States Army that was activated for service in World War I and World War II.-World War I:*Activated: August 1917.*Overseas: June 1918....
.
James B. McConnellJames McConnell was a Private in the United States Army and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in the Philippine-American War.-Medal of Honor citation:...
, also decorated with the Medal of Honor for actions in the Philippines as a private with the 33rd Infantry, received the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously as a first lieutenant with the 4th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division.
Marine Colonel
Hiram I. BearssHiram Iddings Bearss was an officer of the United States Marine Corps who received the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Philippine-American War and the Distinguished Service Cross for his valor in World War I....
, recipient of the Medal of Honor in the Philippines, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross while attached to the 102nd Infantry Regiment,
26th DivisionThe 26th Infantry Division was an infantry division of the United States Army. As a major formation of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, it was based in Boston, Massachusetts for most of its history...
. Marine Gunner
Henry L. HulbertHenry Lewis Hulbert was a United States Marine who served during the Second Samoan Civil War and World War I. As a private, he received the Medal of Honor for distinguished service in Samoa on April 1, 1899....
, also a recipient of the Navy Medal of Honor in the Philippines, received the Distinguished Service Cross for bravery while serving with the Fifth Marine Regiment during the
Battle of Belleau WoodThe Battle of Belleau Wood occurred during the German 1918 Spring Offensive in World War I, near the Marne River in France. The battle was fought between the U.S...
.
Spanish-American WarThe Spanish–American War was a conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, effectively the result of American intervention in the ongoing Cuban War of Independence...
Medal of Honor recipient
John H. QuickJohn Henry Quick was a United States Marine who received the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1898 during the Spanish-American War...
also received the Distinguished Service Cross at Belleau Wood as Sergeant Major of the Sixth Marine Regiment.
Besides Eddie Rickenbacker, several men received both the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross during World War I. Navy recipients were
John Henry BalchJohn Henry Balch was a United States Navy officer and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War I.-Education:...
, a U.S. Navy Pharmacist's Mate, and Joel T. Boone, a U.S. Navy Lieutenant (Medical Corps), both attached to the Sixth Marine Regiment. Army recipients were Private
Daniel R. EdwardsDaniel Richmond Edwards was an American soldier serving in the United States Army during World War I who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.-Biography:...
of the 3rd Machine-Gun Battalion,
1st DivisionThe 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army is the oldest division in the United States Army. It has seen continuous service since its organization in 1917...
, Colonel
William J. "Wild Bill" DonovanWilliam Joseph Donovan was a United States soldier, lawyer and intelligence officer, best remembered as the wartime head of the Office of Strategic Services...
of the 165th Infantry Regiment, 42nd Division, and Second Lieutenant
Samuel I. ParkerSamuel I. Parker was a United States Army Second Lieutenant and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Battle of Soissons France during World War I...
of the 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division.
Two recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross during World War I went on to earn the Medal of Honor in World War II – Major (later Brigadier General)
Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.Theodore D. Roosevelt, Jr. , was an American political and business leader, a Medal of Honor recipient who fought in both of the 20th century's world wars. He was the eldest son of President Theodore Roosevelt from his second wife Edith Roosevelt...
of the 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, son of the former President, and Brigadier General (later General of the Army)
Douglas MacArthurGeneral of the Army Douglas MacArthur was an American general and field marshal of the Philippine Army. He was a Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for his service in the...
of the 42nd Division. Other recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross in World War I who went on to acclaim in World War II include
George S. Patton, Jr.George Smith Patton, Jr. was a United States Army officer best known for his leadership while commanding corps and armies as a general during World War II. He was also well known for his eccentricity and controversial outspokenness.Patton was commissioned in the U.S. Army after his graduation from...
and
Carl SpaatzCarl Andrew "Tooey" Spaatz GBE was an American World War II general and the first Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. He was of German descent.-Early life:...
.
Among other prominent recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross during World War I were Brigadier General
John L. HinesJohn Leonard Hines was an American soldier who served as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army from 1924 to 1926.-Biography:...
, decorated as commanding general of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, and Major General Charles P. Summerall, decorated as commanding general of the 1st Division, who both went on to serve as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. Private
Sam ErvinSamuel James "Sam" Ervin Jr. was a Democratic Senator from North Carolina from 1954 until 1974. A native of Morganton, Burke County, North Carolina, he liked to call himself a "country lawyer", and often told humorous stories in his Southern drawl...
of the 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, went on to serve as a United States
SenatorThe United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
from the state of
North CarolinaNorth Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
. Major
Dwight F. DavisDwight Filley Davis was an American tennis player and politician. He is best remembered as the founder of the Davis Cup international tennis competition.-Biography:...
, decorated as Assistant Chief of Staff of the 69th Infantry Brigade,
35th Division-Combat Chronicle:The division was organized in August 1917 as a National Guard formation with troops from Kansas and Missouri, after a few months as the 14th Division. It consisted of the 69th Infantry Brigade and the 70th Infantry Brigade .It went overseas in May 1918...
, founded the
Davis CupThe Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men's tennis. It is run by the International Tennis Federation and is contested between teams of players from competing countries in a knock-out format. The competition began in 1900 as a challenge between Britain and the United States. By...
international tennis competition and served as
United States Secretary of WarThe Secretary of War was a member of the United States President's Cabinet, beginning with George Washington's administration. A similar position, called either "Secretary at War" or "Secretary of War," was appointed to serve the Congress of the Confederation under the Articles of Confederation...
in the Coolidge Administration.
Father John B. DeVallesFather John B. DeValles founded the first Portuguese parochial school at Espirito Santo Church in Fall River. In 1918 he was appointed a chaplain in the regular army with the rank of first lieutenant and administered to the needs of both Allied and German soldiers. His exploits became legendary...
,
chaplainTraditionally, a chaplain is a minister in a specialized setting such as a priest, pastor, rabbi, or imam or lay representative of a religion attached to a secular institution such as a hospital, prison, military unit, police department, university, or private chapel...
(first lieutenant), known as the Angel of the Trenches for administering to the needs of both Allied and German soldiers. He founded the first Portuguese
parochial schoolA parochial school is a school that provides religious education in addition to conventional education. In a narrower sense, a parochial school is a Christian grammar school or high school which is part of, and run by, a parish.-United Kingdom:...
at the Espirito Santo Church in
Fall River, MassachusettsFall River is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, in the United States. It is located about south of Boston, southeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and west of New Bedford and south of Taunton. The city's population was 88,857 during the 2010 census, making it the tenth largest city in...
. B. Caroll Reece, decorated as a First Lieutenant with the 102nd Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, went on to represent the state of Tennessee in the
United States House of RepresentativesThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
for a total of 17 terms.
Between the World Wars
In the immediate aftermath of World War I, 62 awards were made for actions in
North RussiaThe North Russia Intervention, also known as the Northern Russian Expedition, was part of the Allied Intervention in Russia after the October Revolution. The intervention brought about the involvement of foreign troops in the Russian Civil War on the side of the White movement...
and
SiberiaThe American Expeditionary Force Siberia was a United States Army force that was involved in the Russian Civil War in Vladivostok, Russian Empire, during the tail end of World War I after the October Revolution, from 1918 to 1920....
during the
Russian Civil WarThe Russian Civil War was a multi-party war that occurred within the former Russian Empire after the Russian provisional government collapsed to the Soviets, under the domination of the Bolshevik party. Soviet forces first assumed power in Petrograd The Russian Civil War (1917–1923) was a...
. Also, approximately 132 retroactive awards were made for actions in previous conflicts, including the
Indian WarsAmerican Indian Wars is the name used in the United States to describe a series of conflicts between American settlers or the federal government and the native peoples of North America before and after the American Revolutionary War. The wars resulted from the arrival of European colonizers who...
, the
Spanish-American WarThe Spanish–American War was a conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, effectively the result of American intervention in the ongoing Cuban War of Independence...
, the
Philippine InsurrectionThe Philippine–American War, also known as the Philippine War of Independence or the Philippine Insurrection , was an armed conflict between a group of Filipino revolutionaries and the United States which arose from the struggle of the First Philippine Republic to gain independence following...
, the
Boxer RebellionThe Boxer Rebellion, also called the Boxer Uprising by some historians or the Righteous Harmony Society Movement in northern China, was a proto-nationalist movement by the "Righteous Harmony Society" , or "Righteous Fists of Harmony" or "Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists" , in China between...
, and the Mexican border conflicts. Fifteen soldiers previously awarded Certificates of Merit for non-combat gallantry between 1899 and 1917 were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Prominent among post-World War I Distinguished Service Cross recipients for acts before that war was
J. Franklin BellJames Franklin Bell was Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1906 to 1910.Bell was a major-general in the Regular United States Army, commanding the Department of the East, with headquarters at Governors Island, New York at the time of his death in 1919...
, Chief of Staff of the Army from 1906-1910. A recipient of the Medal of Honor during the Philippine Insurrection, in 1925 he was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for bravery in the
Spanish-American WarThe Spanish–American War was a conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, effectively the result of American intervention in the ongoing Cuban War of Independence...
in 1898. In 1920,
Peyton C. MarchPeyton Conway March was an American soldier and Army Chief of Staff.March was the son of Francis Andrew March, considered the principal founder of modern comparative linguistics in Anglo-Saxon and one of the first professors to advocate and teach English in colleges and universities...
, then serving as Chief of Staff of the Army, was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for bravery in the Philippines during the
Spanish-American WarThe Spanish–American War was a conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, effectively the result of American intervention in the ongoing Cuban War of Independence...
when he was a 1st lieutenant. March's successor,
John J. PershingJohn Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing, GCB , was a general officer in the United States Army who led the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I...
, received a Distinguished Service Cross in 1941 for bravery during the Philippine Insurrection. 2nd Lieutenant
Gordon JohnstonGordon Johnston , was an American soldier, Medal of Honor recipient and football player and coach. He played at the tackle position for Princeton University and served as the head coach of the University of North Carolina football team in 1896...
and Corporal
Arthur M. FergusonArthur Medworth Ferguson was a United States Army officer who received the Medal of Honor for actions on September 28, 1899 during the Philippine-American War. He later obtained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel...
, both Medal of Honor recipients for the Philippine Insurrection, were also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for other acts of bravery in the Philippines. Future Governor of American Samoa
Otto DowlingOtto Carl Dowling was an United States Navy Captain, and the 25th Governor of American Samoa from April 17, 1934 to January 15, 1936. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1903. Dowling served in World War I, before retiring...
received the cross for displaying bravery while responding to a fire at Lake Denmark Powder Depot, which he commanded at the time.
Among the recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross for Siberia and North Russia were
Robert L. EichelbergerRobert Lawrence Eichelberger was a general in the United States Army, who commanded the US Eighth Army in the South West Pacific Area during World War II. His Army was among the very first to engage the Japanese in the Pacific Theater of Operations.-Pre-World War II service:Eichelberger was born...
, who would earn a second medal in World War II, and Sidney C. Graves, who had previously received a Distinguished Service Cross in World War I.
World War II
During
World War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, just over 5,000 awards were made. Lieutenant Colonel
John C. MeyerGeneral John Charles Meyer was an American World War II flying ace, and later the commander in chief of the Strategic Air Command and director of the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska...
,
U.S. Army Air ForcesThe United States Army Air Forces was the military aviation arm of the United States of America during and immediately after World War II, and the direct predecessor of the United States Air Force....
, and Major General James A. Van Fleet were three-time recipients.
A number of recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross in earlier conflicts were again honored in World War II. Chester Hirschfelder, who as a captain with the 5th Machine Gun Battalion, 2nd Division, had received his first Distinguished Service Cross in 1918, received two more in 1944 as a colonel commanding the 9th Infantry Regiment of that same division. Three recipients of two Distinguished Service Crosses in World War I - Douglas MacArthur,
Hanford MacNiderHanford “Jack” MacNider was a United States diplomat and United States Army General, serving in both World War I and World War II. He was a Scottish Rite Freemason.-Biography:...
and Harry H. Semmes - received their third in World War II. A handful of men who had received the Distinguished Service Cross in World War I received a second in World War II. Among these were George S. Patton, Jr., whose second Distinguished Service Cross came as commanding general of the Seventh Army in Sicily, and Fred L. Walker, commander of the
U.S. 36th Infantry Division-Pre 2 October 1941 Square Organization:*HHC, 36th Infantry Division, TXARNG**36th Military Police Platoon**36th Signal Company**111th Ordnance Company**111th Engineer Regiment , TXARNG**111th Medical Regiment**111th Quartermaster Regiment...
in the breakout from Anzio and advance on Rome. Lieutenant General
Robert L. EichelbergerRobert Lawrence Eichelberger was a general in the United States Army, who commanded the US Eighth Army in the South West Pacific Area during World War II. His Army was among the very first to engage the Japanese in the Pacific Theater of Operations.-Pre-World War II service:Eichelberger was born...
, whose first Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for valor in
SiberiaThe American Expeditionary Force Siberia was a United States Army force that was involved in the Russian Civil War in Vladivostok, Russian Empire, during the tail end of World War I after the October Revolution, from 1918 to 1920....
in 1919, received a second for valor in New Guinea in the Buna campaign of 1942-43.
A little over fifty soldiers (and one sailor) received two Distinguished Service Crosses in World War II. The sailor was
John D. BulkeleyJohn Duncan Bulkeley was a Vice Admiral in United States Navy and was one of the most decorated naval officers. Bulkeley received the Medal of Honor for actions in the Pacific Theater during World War II...
, who also received the
Medal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
and the
Navy CrossThe Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
and was one of the most highly decorated Americans of World War II. Among Army recipients of two Distinguished Service Crosses were
Creighton W. Abrams, Jr.Creighton Williams Abrams Jr. was a general in the United States Army who commanded military operations in the Vietnam War from 1968–72 which saw U.S. troop strength in Vietnam fall from a peak of 543,000 to 49,000. He served as Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1972 until shortly...
, later the Chief of Staff of the Army,
William O. DarbyWilliam Orlando Darby was an officer in the United States Army during World War II. Darby led the famous Darby's Rangers which evolved into the US Army Rangers and was also made famous as a major motion picture starring the American actor James Garner in the role of Darby.-Early life:Darby was...
, one of the fathers of the U.S. Army
RangersUnited States Army Rangers are elite members of the United States Army. Rangers have served in recognized U.S. Army Ranger units or have graduated from the U.S. Army's Ranger School...
, and
Robert T. FrederickRobert Tryon Frederick was a highly decorated American combat commander during World War II, who commanded the 1st Special Service Force, the 1st Airborne Task Force and the 45th Infantry Division.-Career:...
, commander of the U.S-Canadian 1st Special Service Force. Six men of the 82nd Airborne Division received two Distinguished Service Crosses:
James M. GavinJames Maurice "Jumpin' Jim" Gavin was a prominent Lieutenant General in the United States Army during World War II...
,
Arthur F. GorhamArthur Fulbrook Gorham was a U.S. Army officer and Paratrooper. Gorham was the first commander of the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division...
, Matthew B. Ridgway,
Reuben Henry Tucker IIIMajor General Reuben Henry Tucker III was a U.S...
and
Benjamin H. VandervoortBenjamin Hayes "Vandy" Vandervoort was a Colonel in the United States Army, who fought in World War II. He was twice awarded the Distinguished Service Cross...
. Several fighter aces also received two Distinguished Service Crosses, including
Donald BlakesleeDonald James Matthew Blakeslee was an officer in the United States Air Force, whose career began as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force and flew Spitfire fighter aircraft, during World War II. He then became a member of the Royal Air Force Eagle squadrons...
, Paul Douglas,
Dominic "Don" GentileMajor Dominic Salvatore "Don" Gentile was a World War II USAAF pilot who was the first to break Eddie Rickenbacher's World War I record of 26 downed aircraft.-Biography:...
, Gerald R. Johnson,
Charles "Mac" MacDonald-Web:*-Further reading:...
,
Jay T. "Cock" RobbinsJay Thorpe Robbins was a career officer in the United States Air Force who rose to the rank of lieutenant general....
,
David C. SchillingDavid Carl Schilling was a U.S. Air Force officer, fighter ace, and leading advocate of long-range jet fighter operations. Kansas' Schilling Air Force Base was named in his memory.-Biography:...
and Ray S. Wetmore. The commander of
Easy CompanyEasy Company, 2nd Battalion of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, the "Screaming Eagles", is one of the most well-known companies in the United States Army. Their experiences in World War II are the subject of the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers based on the book...
of the
506th Parachute Infantry RegimentThe 506th Infantry Regiment is a unit assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division. During World War II, the unit was designated the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment ....
, U.S. 101st Airborne Division,
Richard WintersMajor Richard "Dick" D. Winters was a United States Army officer and decorated war veteran. He commanded Company "E", 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during World War II....
, received a Distinguished Service Cross for his role in the assault on Brecourt Manor on
D-DayD-Day is a term often used in military parlance to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. "D-Day" often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will occur or has occurred; see Military designation of days and hours for similar...
.
During World War II, twelve soldiers, three army aviators and two sailors received both the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross: from the Army,
Bernard P. BellBernard Pious Bell was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...
,
Maurice L. "Footsie" BrittMaurice Lee "Footsie" Britt, Jr. , was an American professional football player, World War II hero received the Medal of Honor, businessman, and Republican politician from Arkansas...
,
Herbert H. BurrHerbert H. Burr was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...
, Leonard A. Funk,
Gerry H. KistersGerry H. Kisters was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...
,
James M. LoganJames Marion Logan was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II....
,
George L. Mabry, Jr.George Lafayette Mabry, Jr. was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions during the Battle of Hurtgen Forest in World War II....
,
Douglas MacArthurGeneral of the Army Douglas MacArthur was an American general and field marshal of the Philippine Army. He was a Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for his service in the...
,
Audie L. MurphyAudie Leon Murphy was a highly decorated and famous soldier. Through LIFE magazine's July 16, 1945 issue , he became one the most famous soldiers of World War II and widely regarded as the most decorated American soldier of the war...
,
Junior J. SpurrierJunior James Spurrier, born James I. Spurrier, Jr., was a United States Army soldier who received America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II....
,
Jack L. TreadwellJack L. Treadwell was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...
and
Jonathan M. WainwrightJonathan Mayhew "Skinny" Wainwright IV was a career American army officer and the commander of Allied forces in the Philippines at the time of their surrender to the Empire of Japan during World War II...
; from the Army Air Forces, Richard I. Bong,
Horace S. Carswell, Jr.Horace Seaver "Stump" Carswell, Jr. was a Medal of Honor recipient as a Major in the United States Army Air Corps who served in World War II...
and Thomas B. McGuire, Jr.; and from the Navy,
John D. BulkeleyJohn Duncan Bulkeley was a Vice Admiral in United States Navy and was one of the most decorated naval officers. Bulkeley received the Medal of Honor for actions in the Pacific Theater during World War II...
and Samuel D. Dealey (who also received four Navy Crosses). One World War II Distinguished Service Cross recipient,
Raymond HarveyRaymond Harvey was a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army who served during World War II and the Korean War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions on March 9, 1951.-Early years and military service:...
, would earn the Medal of Honor in the Korean War.
Korean War
In the
Korean WarThe Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, there were just over 800 awards, of which over 300 were posthumous.
Lloyd L. "Scooter" BurkeLloyd L. Burke was a soldier in the United States Army during the Korean War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions on October 28, 1951.He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia...
, a lieutenant with the 1st Cavalry Division,
Benjamin F. WilsonBenjamin F. Wilson was a soldier in the United States Army during the Korean War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 5, 1951.-Biography:...
, a master sergeant with the 7th Infantry Division, and Air Force fighter ace George A. Davis, Jr., each earned both the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross in Korea.
Colonel Arthur ChampenyBrigadier General Arthur Seymour Champeny is the only American to earn the Distinguished Service Cross in three different wars...
, previously decorated for bravery at St. Mihiel in September 1918 and a second time at Santa Maria Infante, Italy in May 1944, received a third Distinguished Service Cross in September 1950. Fighter pilot William T. Whisner, recipient of two Distinguished Service Crosses in World War II, was awarded a third in Korea.
Ten World War II recipients received a second Distinguished Service Cross in Korea. Among these were
John T. CorleyBrigadier General John T. Corley was a career Army officer noted for his contributions to Army training.-Early life:...
, whose first Distinguished Service Cross was earned in North Africa in March 1943 with the
1st Infantry DivisionThe 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army is the oldest division in the United States Army. It has seen continuous service since its organization in 1917...
and whose second was earned in August 1950 with the 25th Infantry Division,
Hobart R. GayLieutenant General Hobart Raymond Gay , nicknamed "Hap", was a United States Army general.-Early military career:...
, whose first Distinguished Service Cross was earned in 1944 as Chief of Staff of
George S. PattonGeorge Smith Patton, Jr. was a United States Army officer best known for his leadership while commanding corps and armies as a general during World War II. He was also well known for his eccentricity and controversial outspokenness.Patton was commissioned in the U.S. Army after his graduation from...
's Third Army and whose second was earned in 1950 as commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division, and
Walton WalkerWalton Harris Walker was an American army officer and the first commander of the U.S. Eighth Army during the Korean War.-Biography:...
, whose first Distinguished Service Cross was earned in 1944 as commanding general of
XX CorpsThe XX Corps of the United States Army fought from northern France to Austria in World War II. Constituted by redesignating the IV Armored Corps, which had been activated at Camp Young, California on 5 September 1942, XX Corps became operational in France as part of Lieutenant General George S....
and whose second was earned in 1950 as commanding general of
Eighth ArmyThe Eighth United States Army – often unofficially abbreviated EUSA – is the commanding formation of all US Army troops in South Korea.-World War II:...
. Nine men received two Distinguished Service Crosses in Korea. Among these was
Edward AlmondEdward Mallory "Ned" Almond was a controversial United States Army general best known as the commander of the Army's X Corps during the Korean War.-Early Biography:...
, the commanding general of X Corps.
Korean War Distinguished Service Cross recipient 1st Lieutenant
Richard E. CavazosRichard Edward Cavazos , a Korean War recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross as a first lieutenant, who advanced in rank to become the United States Army's first Mexican American four-star general. During the Vietnam War, as a lieutenant colonel, Cavazos was awarded a second Distinguished...
would earn a second Distinguished Service Cross in Vietnam and rise to full general, becoming the first Hispanic-American four-star general. Korean War Distinguished Service Cross recipient Ralph Puckett, Jr. would also receive a second Distinguished Service Cross in Vietnam in command of a battalion of the
101st Airborne DivisionThe 101st Airborne Division—the "Screaming Eagles"—is a U.S. Army modular light infantry division trained for air assault operations. During World War II, it was renowned for its role in Operation Overlord, the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944, in Normandy, France, Operation Market Garden, the...
. Thomas Tackaberry would earn a Distinguished Service Cross in 1952 as a company commander and two more in Vietnam. U.S. Air Force ace Ralph Parr earned a Distinguished Service Cross in 1953 in Korea and an Air Force Cross in Vietnam.
Three Marines earned both the Navy Cross and the Army Distinguished Service Cross in Korea:
Homer LitzenbergHomer Laurence Litzenberg was a decorated Lieutenant General in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Haiti, World War II, and the Korean War. His final rank was awarded at his retirement for valor in battle. He retired from the post of Inspector General of the Marine Corps on May 31, 1959,...
,
Raymond MurrayMajor General Raymond Leroy Murray was a highly-decorated United States Marine Corps officer, who earned two Navy Crosses, one during World War II, and a second during the Korean War...
, and Marine Corps legend
Lewis B. "Chesty" PullerLieutenant General Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller was an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Puller is the most decorated U.S...
. "Chesty" Puller had previously earned four Navy Crosses in Nicaragua and World War II, while Murray was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in the 1st Marine Division's historic breakout from the Chosin Reservoir area to the sea at Hamhung, and two days later took part in the action which earned him his second Navy Cross. Murray had earned his first Navy Cross on
SaipanThe Battle of Saipan was a battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II, fought on the island of Saipan in the Mariana Islands from 15 June-9 July 1944. The Allied invasion fleet embarking the expeditionary forces left Pearl Harbor on 5 June 1944, the day before Operation Overlord in Europe was...
during World War II.
Other notable Korean War recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross include
Harold K. JohnsonHarold Keith "Johnny" Johnson was a United States General. He served as the Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1964 to 1968.-Early career and WWII:...
, later Chief of Staff of the Army, and
Herbert B. PowellHerbert Butler Powell was a U.S. Army General, and Commanding General of the U.S. Continental Army Command, and U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand.-Early live & career:...
, later Ambassador to New Zealand (1963–67). Besides Gen. Johnson, at least four other Korean War Distinguished Service Cross recipients later rose to four-star rank:
Paul L. Freeman, Jr.Paul LaMarch Freeman, Jr. was a United States Army four star general who served as Commander in Chief, U.S. Army Europe/Commander, Central Army Group from 1962 to 1965 and Commanding General, U.S...
,
Clark L. RuffnerGeneral Clark Louis Ruffner was born January 12, 1903, in Buffalo, New York, and graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1924. Most of his early career was spent in various cavalry units until his appointment as Assistant Professor of Military Science and Tactics at Norwich University in...
(decorated in 1951 as commander of the 2nd Infantry Division),
John L. ThrockmortonGeneral John Lathrop Throckmorton was born in Kansas City, Missouri on February 28, 1913. After graduating from Culver Military Academy in 1931 he attended and graduated from the United States Military Academy on June 12, 1935, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry.In World...
and
John H. "Iron Mike" MichaelisJohn Hersey Michaelis was a United States Army four star general who served as Commander in Chief, United Nations Command/Commander, United States Forces Korea/Commanding General, Eighth United States Army from 1969 to 1972.Michaelis was a 1936 graduate of the United States Military Academy...
(who had commanded the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment in Normandy).
Welborn G. DolvinLieutenant General Welborn Griffin Dolvin was born February 8, 1916 in Siloam, Georgia and died May 17, 1991 in Stevensville, VirginiaCadet, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, 1933-35Cadet, United States Military Academy 1935-39...
, decorated as a lieutenant colonel with the 25th Infantry Division, rose to lieutenant general. Ned Moore, who earned a Distinguished Service Cross as a colonel in August 1950, had previously served as Chief of Staff of the
101st Airborne DivisionThe 101st Airborne Division—the "Screaming Eagles"—is a U.S. Army modular light infantry division trained for air assault operations. During World War II, it was renowned for its role in Operation Overlord, the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944, in Normandy, France, Operation Market Garden, the...
in the
Battle of the BulgeThe Battle of the Bulge was a major German offensive , launched toward the end of World War II through the densely forested Ardennes mountain region of Wallonia in Belgium, hence its French name , and France and...
and later rose to major general. Olinto M. Barsanti went on to command the 101st Airborne in Vietnam. Guy S. Meloy went on to command the 82nd Airborne. 1st Lt. Joseph G. Clemons, Jr. for his actions during the
Pork Chop HillThe Battle of Pork Chop Hill comprises a pair of related Korean War infantry battles during the spring and summer of 1953. These were fought while the U.S. and the Communist Chinese and Koreans negotiated an armistice. In the U.S., they were controversial because of the many soldiers killed for...
, he would later command the
198th Infantry BrigadeThe 198th Infantry Brigade, was first formed as part of the United States Army Reserve's 99th Division. It was active from 1967 through 1971 and has been active since 2007 as an Infantry Training Brigade as part of the US Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia.- Vietnam War :During the...
in
Vietnam WarVietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
.
Among the 14 foreign recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross in the Korean War was Kenneth Muir, a major with the 1st Battalion,
Argyll and Sutherland HighlandersThe Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland is an infantry battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland....
, British Army, who also posthumously received the
Victoria CrossThe Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
. Other foreign recipients came from the Belgian, British, French, Greek, Philippine, South Korean and Turkish armies. Soldiers serving with the Greek Expeditionary Force received 6 Distinguished Service Crosses in total during the Korean War.
Vietnam War
There were just over 1,000 awards in the
Vietnam WarThe Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
, almost 400 of which were posthumous.
Patrick BradyMajor General Patrick Henry Brady, USA is a retired American Army officer. While serving as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, he received the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.-Biography:...
, a helicopter pilot with the 44th Medical Brigade, and
Robert L. HowardRobert Lewis Howard was a highly decorated United States Army soldier and Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. He was wounded 14 times over 54 months of combat, was awarded 8 Purple Hearts, 4 Bronze Stars, and was nominated for the Medal of Honor three separate times...
, a Special Forces NCO, received both the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross in Vietnam. Major General
Keith L. WareMajor General Keith Lincoln Ware was an United States Army officer, who received the Medal of Honor in World War II, and was killed in action while commanding a division during the Vietnam War.-Biography:...
, who had earned the Medal of Honor in World War II and who was killed in action in September 1968, received a posthumous Distinguished Service Cross.
James F. Hollingsworth, who received a Distinguished Service Cross in April 1945 as commander of 2nd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, received a second award in November 1966 as assistant division commander of the 1st Infantry Division, and a third in March 1967 as acting division commander of the 1st Infantry Division. Thomas H. Tackaberry, who received his first Distinguished Service Cross in Korea, received a second in September 1966 as a battalion commander with the 1st Cavalry Division and a third in September 1969 as commander of the 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Both later rose to lieutenant general.
One World War II recipient,
William E. DePuyWilliam Eugene DePuy was a U.S. Army general and the first commander of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. He is widely regarded as one of the principal architects of the restructuring of U.S. Army doctrine after the American withdrawal from Vietnam.-Early life and career:DePuy...
, and two Korean War recipients,
Richard E. CavazosRichard Edward Cavazos , a Korean War recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross as a first lieutenant, who advanced in rank to become the United States Army's first Mexican American four-star general. During the Vietnam War, as a lieutenant colonel, Cavazos was awarded a second Distinguished...
and Ralph Puckett, Jr., received a second Distinguished Service Cross in Vietnam. Both DePuy and Cavazos would later rise to full general.
Besides Hollingsworth and Tackaberry, ten other soldiers earned two Distinguished Service Crosses in Vietnam. Two,
John R. Deane, Jr.John Russell Deane, Jr. was a United States Army general and served as commander of the United States Army Materiel Command.Deane was born in San Francisco, California on June 8, 1919. In 1937, he enlisted in the 16th Infantry. After one year, he entered the United States Military Academy...
and Barry R. McCaffrey, later rose to full general, and a third, Henry E. Emerson, retired as a lieutenant general. McCaffrey also served as Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy during the Clinton Administration. Colonel
David H. HackworthColonel David Haskell Hackworth also known as "Hack", was the most highly decorated soldier in United States military history having received 24 decorations for heroism in combat from the Distinguished Service Cross to the Army Commendation Medal. He was also a prominent military journalist...
, who also received nine Silver Stars in Korea and Vietnam, later rose to prominence as a military affairs journalist. George S. Patton IV, son of a two-time Distinguished Service Cross recipient, received two Distinguished Service Crosses in 1968 as commander of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Sergeant
Adelbert WaldronStaff Sergeant Adelbert F. Waldron, or Adelbert F. Waldron III, was a United States Army sniper serving during the Vietnam War . Although little known, Waldron holds the record for confirmed kills by any American sniper in history at 109. Carlos Hathcock had 93 confirmed kills, Eric R...
III, twice awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 1969 as a sniper with the
9th Infantry DivisionThe 9th Infantry Division was created as the 9th Division during World War I, but never deployed overseas. Later, the division was an important unit of the United States Army in World War II and the Vietnam War...
, is credited with 109 confirmed kills, the most among U.S. snipers.
Among other notable Vietnam War Distinguished Service Cross recipients were several who later rose to full general. Among these, besides DePuy and Cavazos, were
Paul F. GormanPaul Francis Gorman is a retired United States Army four star general who served as Commander in Chief, United States Southern Command from 1983 to 1985.-Military career:...
, who later commanded the U.S. Southern Command,
Robert C. KingstonRobert Charles Kingston was an American General who served as the commander of United States Central Command....
, the first commander-in-chief of U.S. Central Command,
James J. LindsayGeneral James Joseph Lindsay is a retired United States Army four star general, and served as the first commander of the United States Special Operations Command.Military career=...
, who later commanded the U.S. Special Operations Command, and
Louis C. MenetreyLouis Charles Menetrey was a United States Army four star general who served as Commander in Chief, United Nations Command/Commander in Chief, ROK/U.S...
, who wore three hats as Commander, United Nations Command, R.O.K./U.S. Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea. John W. Vessey, Jr., decorated for valor during Operation Junction City in March 1967, rose to become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, retiring in 1985.
Frederick C. WeyandFrederick Carlton Weyand was a U.S. Army General. Weyand was the last commander of US military operations in the Vietnam War from 1972–1973, and served as the 28th US Army Chief of Staff from 1974-1976.-Early career:...
was decorated in 1967 as commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division. He would serve as Chief of Staff of the Army from 1974 to 1976.
Bernard W. RogersBernard William Rogers was an American general who served as Chief of Staff of the United States Army, and later as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, Europe and Commander in Chief, United States European Command....
, decorated in March 1967 as assistant division commander of the 1st Infantry Division, succeeded General Weyand as Chief of Staff of the Army and subsequently became NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR). Alexander M. Haig, Jr., also decorated in March 1967 as a battalion commander in the 1st Infantry Division, preceded General Rogers as SACEUR, and became Secretary of State in the Reagan Administration. Former
West PointThe United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
football All-American, then Captain
Bill CarpenterWilliam "Bill" Stanley Carpenter, Jr., LTG, U.S. Army is an American former Army officer and college football player. While playing college football, he gained national prominence as the "Lonesome End" of the Army football team...
, "The Lonesome End", received the award in 1966, and would go on to retire as a major general.
First Lieutenant
Norman A. MordueNorman A. Mordue , is a United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York....
received the Distinguished Service Cross for valor in May 1967 while serving with the 1st Cavalry Division. He was appointed to the U.S. federal bench in 1998 and in 2006 became the Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. Captain Robert L. Helvey, decorated for valor in January 1968 also with the 1st Cavalry Division, rose to the rank of colonel, presided as the Dean of the U.S. Army Defense Intelligence School and after retiring from the army he later became President of the Albert Einstein Institution.
Eldon BargewellMajor General Eldon A. Bargewell was a general in the United States Army and commander of Delta Force.Bargewell was born in Hoquiam, Washington and graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1965....
, decorated in 1971 as a staff sergeant with MACV-SOG, was later commissioned and as of early 2006 was a major general on the staff of Multi-National Force Iraq and the only Vietnam-era DSC recipient still on active duty.
David ChristianDavid A. Christian , is a highly decorated American Vietnam War veteran, best known for his veteran's advocacy efforts. He is a candidate for the Republican nomination for United States Senator from Pennsylvania in the 2012 election, challenging incumbent Bob Casey Jr..-Early life and...
, described as the "Youngest Most Decorated Officer of the Vietnam War", received the Distinguished Service Cross recipient while leading a long range reconnaissance patrol of the 1st Infantry Division, and later became a prominent advocate for veterans.
Among Distinguished Service Cross recipients for valor in the early battles in Vietnam were four members of the 1st Cavalry Division decorated for valor in the Battle of Ia Drang Valley in November 1965 – Lt. Col.
Hal MooreHarold Gregory "Hal" Moore, Jr. is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Army and author. Moore is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, which is the second highest military decoration of the United States Army, and was the first of his West Point class to be promoted to...
, Major Bruce Crandall, Sergeant Clyde Earnie Savage and Specialist Five Charlie "Doc" Lose. The actions of all four were later portrayed in the film "
We Were SoldiersWe Were Soldiers is a 2002 American war film that dramatizes the Battle of Ia Drang on November 14, 1965. The film was directed by Randall Wallace and stars Mel Gibson. It is based on the book We Were Soldiers Once… And Young by Lieutenant General Hal Moore and reporter Joseph L...
", based on Hal Moore's book on the battle. Bruce Crandall's Distinguished Service Cross was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor, which was presented to him in February 2007.
Six Distinguished Service Crosses were awarded to
Son Tay raidersOperation Ivory Coast was a failed rescue mission conducted in North Vietnam during the Vietnam War by United States Special Operations Forces and other elements of the U.S. Military....
, participants in the November 1970 attempt to rescue U.S. POWs in North Vietnam. Among the recipients were Special Forces soldiers
Richard J. "Dick" MeadowsMajor Richard J. Meadows was a U.S. Army Special Forces officer who saw combat in U.S. wars from Korea to the Iran Hostage Rescue mission in 1980. He was a pivotal player in the creation of the modern U.S. Army Special Forces....
,
Arthur D. "Bull" SimonsColonel Arthur D. "Bull" Simons was a US Army Special Forces officer, best known for leading the Son Tay raid, an attempted rescue of American prisoners of war from a North Vietnamese prison at Son Tay.-Early life:Arthur David Simons was born in New York City, moving to Missouri in his youth...
, and Elliot P. "Bud" Sydnor, Jr.
1975 to present
Since Vietnam, as of May 2009, 21 Distinguished Service Crosses have been awarded — seven during
Operation Enduring Freedom and fifteen in Operation Iraqi Freedom:
Operation Enduring Freedom
| Name | Rank | Unit | Date of action | MajorIn the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, major is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel...
| 5th Special Forces Group |
November 28, 2001 |
Gallantry at Qala-i-Jang Fortress, Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan between 25 to 28 November 2001. |
Brendan W. O'ConnorMaster Sergeant Brendan W. O'Connor is a Special Forces medical sergeant in the United States Army. On April 30, 2008 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic action in Afghanistan...
|
Master Sergeant |
2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group |
June 24, 2006 |
Removed his body armour to reach two wounded comrades and administered first aid. |
| Charles E. Wyckoff |
Sergeant |
C Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division |
June 6, 2007 |
Posthumously awarded for leaving his covered position to protect his platoon from an insurgent attack, killing two enemy fighters in Afghanistan. |
| Erich R. Phillips |
Staff Sergeant |
C Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat TeamThe 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team is an airborne infantry brigade combat team of the United States Army based in Vicenza, Italy...
|
August 22, 2007 |
For his actions at Ranch House in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan August 22, 2007 while serving as mortar A mortar is an indirect fire weapon that fires explosive projectiles known as bombs at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing ballistic trajectories. It is typically muzzle-loading and has a barrel length less than 15 times its caliber....
platoon sergeantIn many militaries, a platoon sergeant is the senior enlisted member of a platoon, who advises and supports the platoon's commanding officer in leading the unit.-Singapore:...
. |
| James M. Takes |
Staff Sergeant |
C Company, 2nd Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat TeamThe 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team is an airborne infantry brigade combat team of the United States Army based in Vicenza, Italy...
|
November 7, 2007 |
For gallantry in action leading his rifle team while disregarding his own wounds during an ambush involving a large number of hostile forces in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. |
| Joseph L. Lollino |
Sergeant |
C Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat TeamThe 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team is an airborne infantry brigade combat team of the United States Army based in Vicenza, Italy...
|
June 20, 2008 |
For actions treating five wounded comrades during an ambush in Paktika Province, Afghanistan. |
| Jack Edward White |
Sergeant First Class |
A Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat TeamThe 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team is an airborne infantry brigade combat team of the United States Army based in Vicenza, Italy...
|
June 29, 2008 |
While maneuvering through heavy enemy fire directed at an outpost in Khost Province, Afghanistan , he engaged and quickly adjusted his men to repel the attacking force. |
Operation Iraqi Freedom
| Name | Rank | Unit | Date of action | United States Army Special Operations CommandThe United States Army Special Operations Command is the command charged with overseeing the various Special Operations Forces...
| April 26, 2004 |
For single handedly engaging 300 enemies in Fallujah. |
| Daniel A. Briggs |
Staff Sergeant |
United States Army Special Operations Command |
April 26, 2004 |
Provided medical attention to US Marines during a firefight, preventing further casualties. |
| James H. Coffman, Jr. Colonel James Henry Coffman, Jr., USA is an American Army officer who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.He is a 1978 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point.His citation for the Distinguished Service Cross reads as follows:...
|
ColonelColonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
|
1st Iraqi Special Police Commando Brigade |
November 14, 2004 |
For gallantry in defending a police station from an insurgent attack. |
| Timothy Nein |
Staff Sergeant |
617th Military Police Company, 16th Military Police BrigadeThe 16th Military Police Brigade is a Military Police brigade of the United States Army headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It was the only airborne-qualified military police brigade in the United States Army. It provides law enforcement and police duties to the Fort Bragg area, and for...
|
March 20, 2005 |
For valor in March 2005 while co-leading a counterattack in Salman Pak Salman Pak is a city approximately 15 miles south of Baghdad near a peninsula formed by a broad eastward bend of the Tigris River. It is named after Salman the Persian, a companion of Muhammad who is buried there....
, IraqIraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
against a supply truck convoy ambush. Leigh Ann HesterLeigh Ann Hester of the 617th Military Police Company, a Kentucky Army National Guard unit out of Richmond, Kentucky, received the Silver Star for her actions on March 20, 2005 during an enemy ambush on a supply convoy near the town of Salman Pak, Iraq.Hester was the first female soldier to...
was decorated with the Silver Star for the same action. |
| Stephen C. Sanford |
Corporal |
C Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team |
November 19, 2005 |
During the evacuation of casualties from a dwelling in Mosul, Iraq. |
| Walter B. Jackson |
Second Lieutenant |
A Company, 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry RegimentThe 36th Infantry Regiment is a United States Army infantry regiment.-Lineage:The 36th Infantry was formed on 1 July 1916 at Brownsville, Texas from elements of the 4th Infantry, 26th Infantry and 28th Infantry...
, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored DivisionThe 1st Armored Division—nicknamed "Old Ironsides"—is a standing armored division of the United States Army with base of operations in Fort Bliss, Texas. It was the first armored division of the U.S...
|
September 27, 2006 |
For extraordinary courage on September 27, 2006 in Hit, Iraq. |
| Gregory Williams |
Sergeant |
1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team |
October 30, 2006 |
Pulled his wounded platoon leader to safety following an ambush, re-entered the burning StrykerThe IAV Stryker is a family of eight-wheeled, 4-wheel-drive , armored fighting vehicles derived from the Canadian LAV III and produced by General Dynamics Land Systems, in use by the United States Army. The vehicle is named for two American servicemen who posthumously received the Medal of Honor:...
filled with explosives, and drove off the enemy ambush with the vehicle mounted machine gun. |
| David F. Cooper |
Chief Warrant Officer 5 |
Headquarters Company, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment |
November 27, 2006 |
Fought in defense of ground forces in an AH-6 Little Bird, destroying enemy positions despite intense ground fire, and single handedly preventing the allied position from being overrun. |
| Keith Yoakum |
Chief Warrant Officer 4 |
1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Cavalry Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division The Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division was activated on 16 September 1984. The brigade is composed of:*Headquarters and Headquarters Company*1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment*2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment...
|
February 2, 2007 |
Posthumously awarded for his valor and determination to continue fighting in a flak-riddled AH-64 Apache helicopter. |
| Christopher B. Waiters |
Specialist Specialist is one of the four junior enlisted ranks in the U.S. Army, just above Private First Class and equivalent in pay grade to Corporal. Unlike Corporals, Specialists are not considered junior non-commissioned officers...
|
A Company, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division |
April 5, 2007 |
For rescuing fellow soldiers from a burning Bradley in the midst of a firefight after an IED An improvised explosive device , also known as a roadside bomb, is a homemade bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional military action...
attack. |
| Erik Oropeza |
Specialist |
4th Battalion 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division |
May 22, 2007 |
For preventing his vehicle and crew from being overrun by a superior enemy force. |
| Travis Atkins |
Staff Sergeant |
Company D, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division is a mountain warfare infantry Brigade Combat Team of the United States Army based at Fort Drum, New York. It is a subordinate unit of the 10th Mountain Division....
, 10th Mountain Division |
June 1, 2007 |
Posthumously awarded for tackling and smothering a suicide bomber, shielding and saving the rest of his patrol. |
| Eric Moser |
Sergeant |
C Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division |
August 26, 2007 |
For fighting off an enemy attack of gunfire and grenades for control of a rooftop in Iraq. |
| Christopher Corriveau |
Sergeant |
C Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division |
August 26, 2007 |
For repelling an overwhelming and heavily armed force from a rooftop in Samarra, Iraq |
| Jarion Halbisengibbs |
Staff Sergeant |
Operational Detachment Alpha 083 (ODA-083), 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne)The 10th Special Forces Group is an Active Duty United States Army Special Forces group. The 10th Special Forces Group is responsible for operations within the EUCOM area of responsibility, as part of the Special Operations Command, Europe , as well as parts of Africa and the Middle East.10th SFG...
|
September 10, 2007 |
For clearing an insurgent occupied farm house in SamarraSāmarrā is a city in Iraq. It stands on the east bank of the Tigris in the Salah ad-Din Governorate, north of Baghdad and, in 2003, had an estimated population of 348,700....
, Iraq |
Notable recipients
- Creighton W. Abrams, Jr.
Creighton Williams Abrams Jr. was a general in the United States Army who commanded military operations in the Vietnam War from 1968–72 which saw U.S. troop strength in Vietnam fall from a peak of 543,000 to 49,000. He served as Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1972 until shortly...
, US Army - with one Oak Leaf ClusterAn oak leaf cluster is a common device which is placed on U.S. Army and Air Force awards and decorations to denote those who have received more than one bestowal of a particular decoration. The number of oak leaf clusters typically indicates the number of subsequent awards of the decoration...
(two total awards)
- Edward Almond
Edward Mallory "Ned" Almond was a controversial United States Army general best known as the commander of the Army's X Corps during the Korean War.-Early Biography:...
, US Army - with one Oak Leaf Cluster
- Robert H. Barrow
Robert Hilliard Barrow was an American general, who was the 27th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps from 1979 to 1983. Barrow served for 41 years, including overseas command duty in three wars...
, United States Marine Corps
- Robert S. Beightler
Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler was an American military officer and Ohio political insider, engineer, and business owner...
, Major GeneralIn the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general...
, US Army, Commanding General of the Ohio Army National GuardThe Ohio Army National Guard is a part of the United States National Guard and a reserve component of the United States Army. It is also a component of the organized militia of the state of Ohio, which also includes the Ohio Naval Militia, the Ohio Military Reserve and the Ohio Air National Guard...
's 37th Infantry Division
- Thomas Blamey
Field Marshal Sir Thomas Albert Blamey GBE, KCB, CMG, DSO, ED was an Australian general of the First and Second World Wars, and the only Australian to date to attain the rank of field marshal....
, General, Australian Army (later Australia's first Field Marshal)
- Richard Bong
Richard Ira "Dick" Bong is the United States' highest-scoring air ace, having shot down at least 40 Japanese aircraft during World War II. He was a fighter pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces and a recipient of the Medal of Honor...
, USAAFThe United States Army Air Forces was the military aviation arm of the United States of America during and immediately after World War II, and the direct predecessor of the United States Air Force....
- Lewis H. Brereton
Lewis Hyde Brereton was a military aviation pioneer and lieutenant general in the United States Air Force...
, U.S. Army Air ServiceThe Air Service, United States Army was a forerunner of the United States Air Force during and after World War I. It was established as an independent but temporary wartime branch of the War Department by two executive orders of President Woodrow Wilson: on May 24, 1918, replacing the Aviation...
, later USAAFThe United States Army Air Forces was the military aviation arm of the United States of America during and immediately after World War II, and the direct predecessor of the United States Air Force....
- with one Oak Leaf Cluster
- Maurice Britt
Maurice Lee "Footsie" Britt, Jr. , was an American professional football player, World War II hero received the Medal of Honor, businessman, and Republican politician from Arkansas...
, US Army - also Medal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
and Silver StarThe Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
, first recipient of top three combat decorations in a single war; previously NFL football playerThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
, later Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas
- Joseph Burlazzi
Joseph Burlazzi was a U.S. Army soldier in World War II who was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his conduct during Army operations in North Africa.-Biography:...
, US Army
- John Francis Burnes
John Francis Burnes was an officer in the United States Marine Corps during World War I.-Biography:Born in Binghamton, New York, Burnes joined the Marine Corps in 1904. Shortly before World War I, he was appointed machine gunner, and commissioned June 1917...
, USMC
- Douglas Campbell
Douglas Campbell was an American aviator and World War I flying ace. He was the first American aviator flying in an American unit to achieve the status of ace.-Early life:...
, U.S. Army Air ServiceThe Air Service, United States Army was a forerunner of the United States Air Force during and after World War I. It was established as an independent but temporary wartime branch of the War Department by two executive orders of President Woodrow Wilson: on May 24, 1918, replacing the Aviation...
- with four Oak Leaf ClusterAn oak leaf cluster is a common device which is placed on U.S. Army and Air Force awards and decorations to denote those who have received more than one bestowal of a particular decoration. The number of oak leaf clusters typically indicates the number of subsequent awards of the decoration...
s
- Bill Carpenter
William "Bill" Stanley Carpenter, Jr., LTG, U.S. Army is an American former Army officer and college football player. While playing college football, he gained national prominence as the "Lonesome End" of the Army football team...
, US Army
- Modesto Cartagena
Sergeant First Class Modesto Cartagena , was a member of the United States Army who served in the 65th Infantry Regiment, an all-Puerto Rican regiment also known as "The Borinqueneers," during World War II and the Korean War...
, US Army, the most decorated Hispanic soldier of the Korean War.
- Arthur S. Champeny
Brigadier General Arthur Seymour Champeny is the only American to earn the Distinguished Service Cross in three different wars...
, US Army - with two Oak leaf Clusters; the only man to receive the DSC in three different conflicts (World War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, World War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and the Korean WarThe Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
)
- Vasily Chuikov
Vasily Ivanovich Chuikov was a Russian lieutenant general in the Red Army during World War II, twice Hero of the Soviet Union , who after the war became a Marshal of the Soviet Union.-Early life and career:Born into a peasant family in the village of Serebryanye Prudy, he joined the Red Army during...
, Soviet Army
- Mark W. Clark, US Army
- Daniel Daly
Sergeant Major Daniel Joseph "Dan" Daly was a United States Marine and one of only nineteen men to have received the Medal of Honor twice...
, USMC
- William Orlando Darby
William Orlando Darby was an officer in the United States Army during World War II. Darby led the famous Darby's Rangers which evolved into the US Army Rangers and was also made famous as a major motion picture starring the American actor James Garner in the role of Darby.-Early life:Darby was...
, US Army - with one Oak Leaf Cluster
- William J. "Wild Bill" Donovan
William Joseph Donovan was a United States soldier, lawyer and intelligence officer, best remembered as the wartime head of the Office of Strategic Services...
, US Army
- Otto Dowling
Otto Carl Dowling was an United States Navy Captain, and the 25th Governor of American Samoa from April 17, 1934 to January 15, 1936. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1903. Dowling served in World War I, before retiring...
, US Navy
- Robert L. Eichelberger
Robert Lawrence Eichelberger was a general in the United States Army, who commanded the US Eighth Army in the South West Pacific Area during World War II. His Army was among the very first to engage the Japanese in the Pacific Theater of Operations.-Pre-World War II service:Eichelberger was born...
, US Army - with one Oak Leaf Cluster
- Edward Fuller
Edward Canfield Fuller was an officer in the United States Marine Corps and the son of General Ben Hebard Fuller.-Biography:...
, USMC
- James M. Gavin
James Maurice "Jumpin' Jim" Gavin was a prominent Lieutenant General in the United States Army during World War II...
, US Army - with one Oak Leaf Cluster
- Hobart R. Gay
Lieutenant General Hobart Raymond Gay , nicknamed "Hap", was a United States Army general.-Early military career:...
, US Army - with Oak Leaf Cluster
- David H. Hackworth
Colonel David Haskell Hackworth also known as "Hack", was the most highly decorated soldier in United States military history having received 24 decorations for heroism in combat from the Distinguished Service Cross to the Army Commendation Medal. He was also a prominent military journalist...
, US Army - with one Oak Leaf Cluster
- Alexander M. Haig, Jr.
Alexander Meigs Haig, Jr. was a United States Army general who served as the United States Secretary of State under President Ronald Reagan and White House Chief of Staff under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford...
, US Army
- Virginia Hall
Virginia Hall, MBE, DSC was an American spy during World War II. She was also known by many aliases: "Marie Monin", "Germaine", "Diane", "Marie of Lyon" and "Camille". The Germans gave her the nickname Artemis...
, OSSThe Office of Strategic Services was a United States intelligence agency formed during World War II. It was the wartime intelligence agency, and it was a predecessor of the Central Intelligence Agency...
civilian
- John L. Hines
John Leonard Hines was an American soldier who served as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army from 1924 to 1926.-Biography:...
, US Army
- Courtney Hodges
General Courtney Hicks Hodges was an American military officer, most prominent for his role in World War II, in which he commanded the First United States Army in Northwest Europe.-Early life and military career:...
, US Army
- Robert L. Howard
Robert Lewis Howard was a highly decorated United States Army soldier and Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. He was wounded 14 times over 54 months of combat, was awarded 8 Purple Hearts, 4 Bronze Stars, and was nominated for the Medal of Honor three separate times...
, US Army - 2 DSC, 1 MOH all in the same year tour 1968-69
- Clarence R. Huebner
Clarence Ralph Huebner was a Lieutenant General of the United States Army.-World War I:A farm boy from Bushton, Kansas who spent almost seven years serving from private to sergeant in the 18th Infantry, Huebner received a regular commission in November 1916...
, US Army - with one Oak Leaf Cluster
- LeRoy P. Hunt
General LeRoy P. Hunt was a United States Marine Corps general who commanded the 2nd Marine Division at the end of World War II.-Biography:...
, USMC
- Frank O'Driscoll "Monk" Hunter
Major General Frank O. Hunter was a World War I flying ace, one of four United States Army Air Service pilots who downed nine enemy aircraft. Hunter became an advocate of fighter aircraft strategy and tactics. In World War II he served as chief of the VIII Fighter Command and, later, the First Air...
, U.S. Army Air ServiceThe Air Service, United States Army was a forerunner of the United States Air Force during and after World War I. It was established as an independent but temporary wartime branch of the War Department by two executive orders of President Woodrow Wilson: on May 24, 1918, replacing the Aviation...
- with four Oak Leaf Clusters
- Charles L. Kelly
Charles L. Kelly was a United States Army helicopter pilot during The Vietnam War. Major Kelly was the Commanding Officer of the 57th Medical Detachment from 11 January 1964 until he was killed in action on 1 July of the same year while trying to evacuate a wounded American advisor along with...
, US Army - Dust Off pilot, Vietnam, posthumous
- George C. Kenney
George Churchill Kenney was a United States Army Air Forces general during World War II. He was commander of the Allied air forces in the Southwest Pacific Area from August 1942 until 1945.-Early life:...
, U.S. Army Air ServiceThe Air Service, United States Army was a forerunner of the United States Air Force during and after World War I. It was established as an independent but temporary wartime branch of the War Department by two executive orders of President Woodrow Wilson: on May 24, 1918, replacing the Aviation...
, later USAAFThe United States Army Air Forces was the military aviation arm of the United States of America during and immediately after World War II, and the direct predecessor of the United States Air Force....
- with one Oak Leaf Cluster
- Robert C. Kingston
Robert Charles Kingston was an American General who served as the commander of United States Central Command....
, US Army
- Curtis E. LeMay
Curtis Emerson LeMay was a general in the United States Air Force and the vice presidential running mate of American Independent Party candidate George Wallace in 1968....
, USAAF
- Douglas MacArthur
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur was an American general and field marshal of the Philippine Army. He was a Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for his service in the...
, US Army - with two Oak Leaf Clusters
- Peyton C. March
Peyton Conway March was an American soldier and Army Chief of Staff.March was the son of Francis Andrew March, considered the principal founder of modern comparative linguistics in Anglo-Saxon and one of the first professors to advocate and teach English in colleges and universities...
, US Army
- Anthony McAuliffe
General Anthony Clement "Nuts" McAuliffe was the United States Army general who commanded the 101st Airborne Division troops defending Bastogne, Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II...
, US Army
- Barry McCaffrey
Barry Richard McCaffrey is a retired United States Army general, former U.S. Drug Czar, news commentator, and business consultant....
, US Army
- Louis Gonzaga Mendez, Jr.
Colonel Louis Gonzaga Mendez, Jr. was a highly decorated United States Army officer of the 82nd Airborne Division who in June 1944, as commander of the 3rd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment during World War II, parachuted behind enemy lines into Normandy and was awarded a Distinguished...
, US Army
- William "Billy" Mitchell, U.S. Army Air Service
- Henry Mucci
Henry Andrew Mucci was a colonel in the United States Army Rangers. In January 1945, during World War II, he led a force of 128 Army Rangers on a mission which rescued 512 survivors of the Bataan Death March from Cabanatuan Prison Camp, despite being heavily outnumbered.- Youth :Mucci was born in...
, US Army
- Kenneth Muir VC, British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
- Audie L. Murphy
Audie Leon Murphy was a highly decorated and famous soldier. Through LIFE magazine's July 16, 1945 issue , he became one the most famous soldiers of World War II and widely regarded as the most decorated American soldier of the war...
, US Army
- George S. Patton, Jr.
George Smith Patton, Jr. was a United States Army officer best known for his leadership while commanding corps and armies as a general during World War II. He was also well known for his eccentricity and controversial outspokenness.Patton was commissioned in the U.S. Army after his graduation from...
, US Army - with one Oak Leaf Cluster
- George S. Patton, IV
George Smith Patton, IV was a Major General in the United States Army and the son of World War II General George Patton.-Military biography:...
, US Army - with one Oak Leaf Cluster
- Keith Payne
Keith Payne VC, OAM is an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces, during the Vietnam War...
VC, Australian ArmyThe Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
- John J. "Black Jack" Pershing
John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing, GCB , was a general officer in the United States Army who led the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I...
, US Army
- Harvey Possinger
Harvey Possinger was the second most highly decorated veteran of World War II. He received every medal for valor in combat except for the Medal of Honor which was promised to him by General Douglas MacArthur...
, US Army
- Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller
Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller was an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Puller is the most decorated U.S...
, USMC
- Eddie Rickenbacker
Edward Vernon Rickenbacker was an American fighter ace in World War I and Medal of Honor recipient. He was also a race car driver and automotive designer, a government consultant in military matters and a pioneer in air transportation, particularly as the longtime head of Eastern Air Lines.-Early...
, U.S. Army Air ServiceThe Air Service, United States Army was a forerunner of the United States Air Force during and after World War I. It was established as an independent but temporary wartime branch of the War Department by two executive orders of President Woodrow Wilson: on May 24, 1918, replacing the Aviation...
- with six Oak Leaf Clusters (Rickenbacker originally received 8 DSCs, but one was later upgraded to the Medal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
)
- Matthew B. Ridgway, US Army - with one Oak Leaf Cluster
- Keller E. Rockey
Lieutenant General Keller Emrick Rockey commanded the Fifth Marine Division in the battle of Iwo Jima in World War II and the Third Amphibious Corps during the occupation of North China following the war....
, USMC
- Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.
Theodore D. Roosevelt, Jr. , was an American political and business leader, a Medal of Honor recipient who fought in both of the 20th century's world wars. He was the eldest son of President Theodore Roosevelt from his second wife Edith Roosevelt...
, US Army
- Andrew Summers Rowan
Andrew Summers Rowan was an American Army officer who served as the liaison between the United States and Cuban rebels led by General Calixto García during the Spanish American War....
, US Army
- Alfredo M. Santos
General Alfredo M. Santos was Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 1962 to 1965, making him the first four-star general of the Philippines' armed forces....
, Philippine Army
- Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr.
Lemuel Cornick Shepherd, Jr. was a four-star general of the United States Marine Corps. A veteran of World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, he was the 20th Commandant of the Marine Corps...
, USMC
- Oliver Prince Smith, USMC
- Joseph Stilwell
General Joseph Warren Stilwell was a United States Army four-star General known for service in the China Burma India Theater. His caustic personality was reflected in the nickname "Vinegar Joe"...
, US Army
- Maxwell D. Taylor
General Maxwell Davenport "Max" Taylor was an United States Army four star general and diplomat of the mid-20th century, who served as the fifth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff after having been appointed by the President of the United States John F...
, US Army
- Gerald C. Thomas
Gerald Carthrae Thomas was a United States Marine Corps general who served as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1956 with more 38 years of distinguished service which included duty on four continents, spanning two World Wars, Haiti and the Korean War...
, USMC
- James A. Van Fleet, US Army - with two Oak Leaf Clusters
- John Paul Vann
John Paul Vann was a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army, later retired, who became well known for his role in the Vietnam War.-Early life:...
, US civilian
- Jesús Villamor, Philippine Army Air Corps
The Philippine Army Air Corps was created by the Philippine National Assembly's National Defense Act of 1935. By 1940, the corps had around 40 aircraft and 100 pilots, 500 personnel, and six squadrons...
- with one Oak Leaf Cluster
- Walton Walker
Walton Harris Walker was an American army officer and the first commander of the U.S. Eighth Army during the Korean War.-Biography:...
, US Army - with one Oak Leaf Cluster
- Robert B. Williams
Major General Robert Boyd Williams was a World War II general in the United States Army Air Forces. He led the B-17 raid on the Schweinfurt ball-bearing factories, the first large-scale deep penetration bombing raid on Germany.-Early life:...
, U.S. Army Air Forces
- Richard Winters
Major Richard "Dick" D. Winters was a United States Army officer and decorated war veteran. He commanded Company "E", 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during World War II....
, US Army
- Edward F. Younger
Edward F. Younger was the American United States Army soldier selected to choose the body to be used as America's Unknown Soldier representing those lost by the U.S. during World War I....
, US Army, US Soldier chosen to select the Unknown SoldierThe Tomb of the Unknowns is a monument dedicated to American service members who have died without their remains being identified. It is located in Arlington National Cemetery in the United States...
for the US after World War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
Revocation
In a number of cases, an award of the Distinguished Service Cross has later been revoked. In most cases, this has been for one of three reasons: the award was upgraded to the
Medal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
, duplicate awards had been made to the same recipient for the same action by two different headquarters, or the award had been revoked to allow republication with a new and revised award citation. Such revocations have occurred over the history of the decoration.
One of the earliest such cases involves one of the most famous American soldiers of World War I,
Alvin YorkAlvin Cullum York was one of the most decorated American soldiers in World War I. He received the Medal of Honor for leading an attack on a German machine gun nest, taking 32 machine guns, killing 28 German soldiers and capturing 132 others...
, who initially received a Distinguished Service Cross which was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. And as noted above under "Notable Recipients", top American World War I ace pilot
Eddie RickenbackerEdward Vernon Rickenbacker was an American fighter ace in World War I and Medal of Honor recipient. He was also a race car driver and automotive designer, a government consultant in military matters and a pioneer in air transportation, particularly as the longtime head of Eastern Air Lines.-Early...
originally received eight DSCs, but one was upgraded in 1930 to the
Medal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
. In 1980,
Roy BenavidezRaul Perez Benavidez was a member of the Studies and Observations Group of the United States Army. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions in combat near Lộc Ninh, South Vietnam on May 2, 1968....
, a
U.S. Army Special ForcesThe United States Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets because of their distinctive service headgear, are a special operations force tasked with six primary missions: unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, direct action, hostage rescue, and...
veteran, had his Vietnam-era DSC upgraded to the Medal of Honor, which was presented to him in a February 1981 White House ceremony.
A number of DSC revocations and upgrades to the Medal of Honor were the result of reviews initiated by the Army or mandated by the United States Congress. In the early 1990s the Army began a review of discrimination against black soldiers in World War II, none of whom had received the Medal of Honor but several of whom had received lesser awards. Later, the Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 provided for a "Review Regarding Upgrading of Distinguished-Service Crosses and Navy Crosses Awarded to Asian-Americans and Native American Pacific Islanders for World War II Service" and the National Defense Authorization Act for 2002 provided for a "Review Regarding Award of Medal of Honor to Certain Jewish American and Hispanic American War Veterans". There is currently a petition circulating to upgrade the Distinguished Service Cross of
MajorIn the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, major is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel...
Richard WintersMajor Richard "Dick" D. Winters was a United States Army officer and decorated war veteran. He commanded Company "E", 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during World War II....
to a
Medal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
.
In January 1997, as a result of its review, the Army revoked six awards of the Distinguished Service Cross to black soldiers and upgraded them to the Medal of Honor. These were to
Vernon BakerVernon Joseph Baker was a United States Army officer who received the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in World War II...
,
Edward A. Carter, Jr.Edward Allen Carter, Jr. was United States Army Staff Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during March 1945 during World War II...
,
John R. FoxJohn Robert Fox was killed in action when he deliberately called for artillery fire on his own position, after his position was overrun, in order to defeat a German attack in the vicinity of Sommocolonia, northern Italy during World War II...
,
Willy F. James, Jr.Willy F. James, Jr. was a United States Army private first class who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during World War II...
,
Charles L. ThomasMajor Charles Leroy Thomas was a United States Army officer who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions while a company commander during the capture of Climbach, France in 1944 — the second African American to be awarded one during World War II...
and
George Watson (U.S. Army)George Watson was a private in the United States Army who was killed in action during World War II. He was one of seven African American soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor for their actions during World War II, and the only one of the seven to earn his medal while serving in the Pacific...
. In 2001, the Army officially revoked 21 awards of the Distinguished Service Cross and one of the Silver Star to Asian-American soldiers, mostly Japanese-American, whose awards were upgraded to the Medal of Honor. Among those whose DSC was upgraded was U.S. Senator
Daniel InouyeDaniel Ken "Dan" Inouye is the senior United States Senator from Hawaii, a member of the Democratic Party, and the President pro tempore of the United States Senate making him the highest-ranking Asian American politician in American history. Inouye is the chairman of the United States Senate...
. Others include
Francis B. WaiFrancis Brown Wai was a captain in the United States Army and received the Medal of Honor for actions during the recapture of the Philippines from Japan in 1944....
and Rudolph B. Davila.
Jon E. SwansonJon Edward Swanson was a United States Army helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. He directed the destruction of five enemy bunkers and two anti-aircraft positions before being shot down in Cambodia. His actions were recognized over thirty years later, when his family received the Medal of...
, posthumously awarded a DSC in 1972, had this revoked in November 2005 (Department of the Army General Order No. 9 of 2005), after his DSC was upgraded to the Medal of Honor in December 2002 (Department of the Army General Order No. 14 of 2002). Another Vietnam War helicopter pilot,
Bruce P. CrandallBruce Perry Crandall is a retired U.S. Army officer who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Ia Drang. During the battle he flew 22 missions in an unarmed helicopter into enemy fire to bring ammunition and supplies and evacuate the wounded...
, was awarded the DSC in June 2001 (General Order No. 25 of 2001). This award was rescinded in November 2005 when a new citation was issued (General Order No. 9 of 2005), but the DSC itself was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor, which was presented in February 2007 (the DSC was revoked in General Order No. 3 of 2007).
See also
- Awards and decorations of the United States military
Awards and decorations of the United States Military are military decorations which recognize service and personal accomplishments while a member of the United States armed forces...
- Awards and decorations of the United States Army
Awards and decorations of the United States Army are those military decorations which are issued to members of the United States Army under the authority of the Secretary of the Army. Together with military badges such awards provide an outward display of a service member's accomplishments.The...
- Puerto Rican recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross
Puerto Ricans have served as members of the United States Armed Forces and have fought in every major conflict in which the United States has been involved from World War I onward. Many Puerto Ricans, including those of Puerto Rican descent, have distinguished themselves during combat as members...
- Non US Winners of US gallantry awards
External links