The medal was established on 14 October 1914 as the third level decoration for gallantry in action for
ratings of the Royal Navy, not at the standard required to receive the
Victoria Cross or the
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. From 1916, ribbon bars could be authorised for subsequent awards of the DSM. In 1940 the award was extended to
Royal Air Force personnel serving with the Fleet and, in 1942, to members of the
Merchant Navy, and
Army personnel serving afloat, for example manning a merchant ship's anti-aircraft guns. In 1979 eligibility for a number of awards, including the DSM, was extended to permit posthumous awards. Until that time, only the
Victoria Cross and a
mention in dispatches could be awarded posthumously. The Distinguished Service Medal was discontinued in 1993, as part of
the review of the British honours system which recommended removing distinctions of rank in respect of awards for bravery. Since then the Distinguished Service Cross, previously only open to
Commissioned and
Warrant Officers, has been awarded to all ranks. ==Description==