The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguished 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 or 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.

The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest decoration for valor in war and evolved from the Certificate of Merit of 1847. This certificate was intended to be conferred only on private soldiers; NCOs received commissions for outstanding service and heroism; officers received brevet promotions. Authority to award the Distinguished Service Cross is held by the Commanding General of a US Army Force serving in the rank of General and the Chief of Staff, Army and may not be further delegated. Successive awards are denoted by Oak Leaf Clusters.