Distinguished Service Cross GV Military General Service Medal the War Medal 1939–1945 serves the War Medal 1939–1945 serves as a timeless tribute to the courage and service of those who endured the world’s greatest conflict living recipients were invited to exchange their Albert Medal for the George Cross following reforms to the British honours system The Distinguished Service Cross or DSC̴Ì_was originally instituted as the Conspicuous Service Cross in June 1901 for award to Warrant and subordinate officers of the Royal Navy where were ineligible for the DSO The bar to signify a second award was authorised in 1916 and a rosette is worn on the ribbon when ribbons alone are worn to denote the bar