Distinguished Service Cross

The Distinguished Service Cross is a military decoration established on 2 January 1918. It is the second most prestigious medal in the US Armed Forces after the Medal of Honour.

It is awarded to members of the armed forces who have distinguished themselves by an act of exceptional heroism, but one that does not warrant the Medal of Honour.

During the Second World War, only 5,000 DSCs were awarded. Among the American paratroopers to have received it were Richard Winters of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, and Leonard A. Funk (508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division).