Player Embed Code: Download Embed Share Hegseth Presents Distinguished Service Cross to Retired Soldier Defense.gov March 18, 2025 | 01:09:27 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presents the Distinguished Service Cross to Eric Geressy March 18, 2025. Geressy is a retired Army command sergeant major and currently serves as the senior advisor to the defense secretary. The DSC is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the Army. It is awarded for extraordinary heroism.