Orders and Decorations - Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

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Terms

The DCM was awarded to Warrant Officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, serving in any of the sovereign's military forces, for distinguished conduct in the field. It was thus the second highest award for gallantry in action (after the Victoria Cross) for all army ranks below commissioned officers and was available to navy and air force personnel also for distinguished conduct in the field.

Bars

A silver, laurelled bar was awarded for a subsequent act or acts of distinguished conduct in the field.

Description

A circular, silver medal, 1.42 inches in diameter.

Obverse

King Edward VII: uncrowned, in Field Marshal's uniform, facing left, with the legend EDWARDVS VII REX IMPERATOR

King George V: uncrowned, in field Marshal's uniform, facing left, with the legend GEORGEIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:

King George VI:

1. A crowned effigy, facing left, with the legend: GEORGEIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX ET INDIAE IMP: (for WWII)
2. A crowned effigy, facing left, with the legend: GEORGEIVS VI DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: * (for Korea) BIU

Medals issued to Canadians in Korea were the second type King George VI, rather than EIIR medals.

Reverse

The reverse shows FOR/DISTINGUISHED/CONDUCT/IN THE FIELD in four lines, with a horizontal line through a small oval wreath below the wording. Some Edward VII medals had the word CANADA above the inscription.

Mounting

An ornate scroll suspender is attached to the medal by a single-toe claw.

Naming

The regimental or equivalent number, rank, initials, surname and unit of the recipient are impressed in plain block capitals around the rim of the medal.

Ribbon

The crimson ribbon is 1.25 inches wide with a dark blue central stripe (0.375).

Dates

The DCM was created on 04 December 1854, because of the Crimea War and was first awarded to a Canadian on 19 April 1901.

Issued

There were 2,132 awards to Canadian Army and RCAF personnel, plus 38 first bars and 1 second bar.