The Distinguished Service Cross was introduced in 1991 and is awarded for distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations.
Design
The medal is a modified Maltese Cross of nickel-silver with the obverse having a central device of the Federation Star on a disc of flames. The reverse has a panel for recipient details.
The ribbon has a central stripe of ochre-red flanked by silver-blue stripes.
A further award is denoted by a nickel-silver bar with the Federation Star superimposed on a horizontal row of flames. When the ribbon is worn alone, the award of a bar is indicated by the addition of a ribbon bar emblem in the form of a nickel-silver Federation Star.
Recipients of the Cross are entitled to the post-nominal letters DSC. Recipients of a bar add 'and Bar' to the post-nominal.