The Defence Cross for Distinguished Service was a Rhodesian military decoration awarded for distinguished service to Rhodesia's armed forces.

The award was instituted in 1970 by Presidential Warrant, the first awards being made in 1975.

The medal was a sterling silver cross worn on the breast, with at its centre a roundel containing a device of a lion's head and the legend FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE, while the reverse was blank. The medal was impressed in small capitals with the recipient's name on the reverse, and was awarded with a case of issue, miniature medal for wear, and an illuminated certificate. The ribbon was half scarlet, half Cambridge blue, with a central silver stripe and green edges.

19 awards of the Defence Cross for Distinguished Service were made between 1970 and 1979.^[1] Recipients included Army Generals Peter Walls, Derry McIntyre, and Bruce Campling.

Recipients were entitled to the post-nominal letters D.C.D.

The Defence Cross for Distinguished Service fell into abeyance following Zimbabwe Rhodesia's adoption of majority rule in 1979, and the country's transformation into Zimbabwe a year later. It has been partially replaced by the military division of the Zimbabwean Medal for Meritorious Service.

Orders, decorations, and medals of Rhodesia