The Distinguished Service Cross is primarily a naval gallantry award. Unusually Col. Geoffrey L Weston of the Army Legal Corps (post WW2) held a DSC and bar. This was due to the fact that in a prior existence he had been Lt Weston RN. He was awarded the DSC for distinguished service in the Aegean and relief of Greece, whilst First Lieutenant of HMS Catterick. The bar to his DSC was awarded in recognition of outstanding service whilst First Lieutenant of HMS Amethyst during the Yangtse Incident. There are several holders of the DSC who were in the RAF (due to the award being given when in the Royal Naval Air Service prior to the formation of the RAF). Are there any other army officers who held a DSC let alone a DSC and bar? Tim
And another question. Whilst looking up something completely different I noticed that Major (later Major General) Michael Patrick Ryan, USMC was awarded the british DSC for the Battle of Tarawa. As far as I can see this battle was US troops only so why was he awarded a DSC. The only connection I can see is that the Gilbert Islands were a British Protectorate. Would the award have been given as a 'thank you' to the US for relieving the Islands? Tim
Tim, I have tried searching the National Archives site for the citation, which I have been unable to do. I would suggest it would probably be for a combination of the reason you suggest and his actions for which the Navy Cross (US) was awarded. Mark
Michael Patrick Ryan, Major General, United States Marine Corps General Ryan had a distinguished 44-year career in the US Marine Corps. He served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II and was awarded the US Navy Cross and the British Distinguished Service Cross for valor at Tarawa TD
