Final answer:
The second highest award for valor in the U.S. military is the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, depending on the service branch.
Step-by-step explanation:
The second highest award for valor in the United States military is the Distinguished Service Cross (Army), the Navy Cross (Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard), and the Air Force Cross (Air Force). These awards are second only to the Medal of Honor and recognize extreme acts of heroism in the face of the enemy. In historical context, these honors have been awarded to numerous individuals for outstanding acts of bravery. For example, Frank Capra, a filmmaker who contributed significantly to the war effort with his films, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 1945.