The DCM was created on 04 December 1854, because of the Crimea War
and was first awarded to a Canadian on 19 April 1901. The Distinguished
Conduct Medal (DCM) was awarded to Warrant Officers, non-
commissioned officers, and non-commissioned members, serving in any
of the sovereign military forces, for distinguished conduct in the field. It
was the second highest award for gallantry in action (after the Victoria
Cross) for all army ranks below commissioned officers and was available to
Navy and Air Force personnel also for distinguished conduct in the field.