The Distinguished Service Cross was first awarded during World War I . In addition , a number of awards were made for actions before World War I . In many cases , these were to soldiers who had received a Certificate of Merit for gallantry which , at the time , was the only other honor for gallantry the Army could award , or recommend a Medal of Honor .
The Distinguished Service Cross was first awarded during World War I . In addition , a number of awards were made for actions before World War I . These were to soldiers who had received a ` Certificate of Merit ' for gallantry .