Army Distinguished Service Cross (in bronze, measuring 46.3 mm (w) x 51 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, original ribbon with brooch pinback); and Air Force Cross (two-piece construction, in bronze with green enamels, engraved "H. L. P." on the edge of the arm at 9 o'clock, measuring 48.2 mm (w) x 56.2 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, original ribbon with brooch pinback, intact enamels). Extremely fine.
Footnote: The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military award that can be given to a member of the United States Army (and previously the United States Air Force), for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree that they are above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations but do not meet the criteria for the Medal of Honor. The Distinguished Service Cross is equivalent to the Navy Cross (Navy and Marine Corps), the Air Force Cross (Air Force), and the Coast Guard Cross (Coast Guard). The Air Force Cross is the second highest military award that can be given to a member of the United States Air Force. The Air Force Cross is the Air Force decoration equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross (Army), the Navy Cross (Navy and Marine Corps), and the Coast Guard Cross (Coast Guard). The Air Force Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of the Medal of Honor. It may be awarded to any individual who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Air Force, distinguishes him or herself by extraordinary heroism in combat.