Distinguished Service Cross U.S.A. Numbering

[Veteran]

Hello all

A D.S.C. recently turned up with a number engraved on the reverse. This being the first instance of this I have come across, I would greatly appreciate as much information as possible.

Questions are ; Have all officially awarded DSCs been numbered? If not, at what times did this occur and when did it cease ?

Were DSCs ever fully named on the reverse ?

How could one find the names and particulars of the recipient of a known numbered DSC (this cross having been found in France, it could have been awarded to a Frenchman during the WW1).

Every scrap of information will be grafefully received

Veteran

[Charles P. McDowell]

DSCs were numbered from their beginning in World War I up until 1942. A roll was kept of roughly the first 8000 DSCs, but unfortunately medals numbered above that are not recorded. The DSCs were never officially numbered on the reverse (the numbering appeared on the edge of the lower arm). I have a listing of all known DSC numbers and would be glad to check numbers for anyone who is interested.