Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
This award was instituted in 1854 during the Crimean War for ‘Distinguished Conduct in the Field’. It was intended to reward the gallantry of soldiers rather than officers. It had the added benefit that it came with a gratuity
In Jan 1918, towards the end of World War I recipients were permitted to have ‘DCM’ after their name
In World War II, 1879 awards of the DCM were made.
As a result of the changes made in 1993 which resulted in the extension of the DSO towards all ranks, the DCM was discontinued.