Trikoty Distinguished Service Order DSO GRV George V Elite Military Medal Full Size Copy

The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is high military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other parts of the Commonwealth of Nationsently awarded for meritorious or distinguished services by officers during active operations against the enemy medal signifying its award is a gold (silver-gilt) cross, enamelled white and edged in gold. In the centre, within a wreath of laurel, enamelled green, is the imperial crown in gold upon a red enamelled background. On the reverse is the royal cypher in gold upon a red enamelled ground, within a wreath of laurel, enamelled green. A ring at the top of the medal attaches to a ring at the bottom of a gold “suspension” bar, ornamented with laurel. At the top of the ribbon is a second gold bar ornamented with laurel. Instituted on 6 September 1886 by Queen Victoria in a Royal Warrant published in the The London Gazette on 9 November,[5] the first DSOs awarded were dated 25 November 1886.[6] It is typically awarded to officers ranked major (or its equivalent) or higher, but the honour has sometimes been awarded to especially valorous junior officers. During the First World War, 8,981 DSOs were awarded, each award being announced in The London Gazetteituted on 6 September 1886 by Queen Victoria in a Royal Warrant published in the The London Gazette on 9 November,[5] the first DSOs awarded were dated 25 November 1886.[6] It is typically awarded to officers ranked major (or its equivalent) or higher, but the honour has sometimes been awarded to especially valorous junior officers. During the First World War, 8,981 DSOs were awarded, each award being announced in The London Gazette order was established for rewarding individual instances of meritorious or distinguished service in war.