The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest level of medal awarded to members of the United States Army. The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to U.S. Army personnel who have performed extreme acts of bravery in combat, but are not sufficient to award the Medal of Honor. The Distinguished Service Cross is equivalent to the Navy Cross (which can be awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard) and the Air Force Cross of the United States Air Force.

The Distinguished Service Cross Medal was awarded for the first time during the First World War and was awarded to some individuals who had obtained a Certificate of Merit for their heroic deeds before the First World War. Before the appearance of the Distinguished Service Cross, the Certificate of Merit was the only award that could be awarded by the Army in addition to the Medal of Honor. Other medals were awarded to those who participated in the US Philippines War, the Mexican Expedition and the Boxer Movement.

In contrast to the Distinguished Service Medal awarded to senior officers who have made outstanding contributions during their service, only heroic acts in combat can earn the Distinguished Service Cross Medal, and those who have won the Medal must take great risks or personal risks, and their actions must be very prominent with those of other people of the same level, experience or responsibility.