Distinguished Service Cross

The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force. It is awarded for distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations. They are awarded by the governor-general of Australia on the advice of the minister for Defence. The DSC was introduced in 1991 and is the highest distinguished service decoration in the Australian Honours System. Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "DSC". Since its inception 273 awards have been made—which includes eight bars and one second bar.