Distinguished Conduct Medal
| Distinguished Conduct Medal | |
|---|---|
Queen Victoria version | |
| Type | Military decoration for bravery |
| Awarded for | Gallantry in the field |
| Country | British Empire |
| Presented by | the Monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
| Eligibility | Other ranks |
| Post-nominals | DCM |
| Status | Discontinued in 1993 |
| Established | 4 December 1854 |
| First award | 1855 |
| Final award | 1993 |
| Total | 30,200+ |
| Ribbon bar without and with rosette to indicate award of a bar | |
| Order of Wear | |
| Next (higher) | Air Force Cross |
| Equivalent | Distinguished Conduct Medal (Natal) |
| Next (lower) | Conspicuous Gallantry Medal |
| Related | Distinguished Service Order |
The Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) was a British military decoration instituted in 1854 by Queen Victoria to recognise gallantry in the field by other ranks of the British Army. It was the oldest British award for gallantry and served as the second highest military decoration for bravery, ranking just below the Victoria Cross. The medal remained in use until 1993, when it was discontinued and succeeded by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. In addition to British personnel, the medal was also awarded to non-commissioned members of the armed forces from other Commonwealth Dominions and Colonies.