U.S. ARMY, Distinguished Service Cross, Cased, with Ribbon and Lapel Button

A cross of bronze, 2 inches (5.1 cm) high and 1 13/16 inches (46 mm) wide 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.

The service ribbon is 1 3?8 inches (35 mm) wide and consists of the following stripes:

• 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) Old Glory Red;
• 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) White;
• 1 inch (25 mm) Imperial Blue;
• 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) White;
• 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) Old Glory Red.

The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army (or in the Air Force before 1960), 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.