Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic condition Post WWII (late 1950s era) unmarked Distinguished Service Cross. The condition is quite nice and presents itself as a lovely deep bronze tarnish and lightly stained ribbon. The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the United States Army's second highest military decoration for soldiers who display extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree that they are above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations, but which do not meet the criteria for the Medal of Honor.

Did You Know?
Top American World War I ace pilot Eddie Rickenbacker originally received eight DSCs, but one was upgraded in 1930 to the Medal of Honor. With 26 aerial victories, he was the most successful and most decorated United States flying ace of the war. He was also a race car driver, an automotive designer, and a long-time head of Eastern Air Lines.

Non-U.S. Army Recipients
Fred Crowley was one of only TWO U.S. Marines to be awarded the Army's Distinguished Service Cross during the Vietnam War, or since.

Citation:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant Fred R. Crowley (MCSN: 0-94635), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Advisory Team 1, United States Army Advisory Group, I Corps Tactical Zone. First Lieutenant Crowley (USMC) distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 September 1968 as assistant senior advisor to the Fourth Battalion, 51st Regiment, Army of the Republic of Vietnam during a battle with North Vietnamese troops south of DaNang. While radioing for a helicopter to evacuate three Vietnamese soldiers who had been badly wounded, Lieutenant Crowley was shot by an enemy sniper. Wishing to remain as alert as possible, he refused morphine which was offered to relieve the pain of his serious wounds and continued to pass vital information on the radio while being carried to the landing zone. As the ambulance helicopter came in, it was struck by hostile fire, overturned and crashed in flames within ten meters of the waiting casualties. Intense small arms and mortar fire sprayed the area, which was lit up by the burning ship. With complete disregard for his own welfare, Lieutenant Crowley organized the rescue of the wounded Vietnamese and helped direct the seven injured crew members and passengers to safety. Though aggravating his wounds, he then picked up his radio and crawled to the command post. After requesting another ambulance ship, he assisted the injured pilots, holding canteens while those with hands drank. When the second helicopter arrived, Lieutenant Crowley again directed the movement of the wounded to the bullet-swept landing zone. Almost unconscious from loss of blood, he reached the craft with the assistance of a comrade and was safely evacuated. First Lieutenant Crowley's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Marine Corps.

The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the United States Army's second highest military decoration for soldiers who display extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree that they are above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations, but which do not meet the criteria for the Medal of Honor. The Army Distinguished Service Cross is equivalent to the Naval Services' Navy Cross, the Air and Space Forces' Air Force Cross, and the Coast Guard Cross. Prior to the creation of the Air Force Cross in 1960, airmen were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

The Distinguished Service Cross was first awarded during World War I. In addition, a number of awards were bestowed for actions which took place before World War I. In many cases, the medal was awarded to soldiers who had received a Certificate of Merit for gallantry; at the time, this certificate was the only other honor for gallantry the Army could present to combatants in lieu of a Medal of Honor. Others were furnished in belated recognition of actions which occurred in the Philippine–American War, during the Boxer Rebellion, and Pancho Villa Expedition.

The Distinguished Service Cross is distinct from the Distinguished Service Medal, which is awarded to Army soldiers in recognition of exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility. The Distinguished Service Cross is only awarded for actions in combat, while the Distinguished Service Medal has no such restriction.

The award is 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.

Comes more than ready for further research and display