Distinguished Conduct Medal Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
Source: Veterans Affairs Canada
The British and Commonwealth Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) was instituted on December 4, 1854 during the Crimean War as an award for bravery in action by "other ranks" i.e. non-commissioned officers and men of the British and Empire / Commonwealth armies. The medal was usually accompanied by a small pension. During World War I it was also awarded to men of the Royal Naval Division serving under Army Command.
Since World War I, army warrant officers have been eligible for the award of the Military Cross (MC), and since the recent revisions to the British system of awards, the MC is now the principal "Level 3" award to the Army. Consequently, the DCM is no longer awarded.
In Australia there have been 2080 awards of the DCM in all conflicts since the Boer War.