The Distinguished Service Cross was introduced in 1991 and is awarded for distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations.

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.

Read more:

Commonwealth of Australia Gazette S18 of 22 February 2012 (Distinguished Service Decorations amendments) (PDF, 268.72 KB)