The Distinguished Service Cross ( DSC ) is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, awarded 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 Honor.

This decoration is distinct from the Distinguished Service Medal , which is awarded to persons in recognition of exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility.