Bronze Star Medal

Bronze Star Medal. The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces decoration awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone. Established by executive order during World War II, it is the fourth-highest combat award and can be awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces, as well as to foreign allies. The medal recognizes acts of valor or meritorious service that do not meet the higher thresholds required for the Silver Star or Distinguished Service Cross.

History and establishment

The medal was established on February 4, 1944, via Executive order 9419 signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Its creation was retroactive to December 7, 1941, allowing for the recognition of actions from the start of American involvement in World War II. The impetus for the award came from General George C. Marshall, who recognized a gap in the awards system for ground troops performing meritorious service under combat conditions, similar to the Air Medal for airmen. Originally, the award criteria were focused on the United States Army and United States Army Air Forces, but it was later extended to all service branches by an act of Congress in 1947. The medal has been awarded for service in every major conflict since its inception, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the War in Afghanistan.

Criteria and eligibility

Eligibility for the medal requires that the service member be engaged in action against an enemy of the United States, or in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. The award has two distinct categories: for heroic achievement and for meritorious service. The "V" device, denoting valor in combat, is authorized for wear on the ribbon when the award is for heroic achievement. Awards for meritorious service, not involving direct combat, do not include this device. The medal can be awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces, including the United States Coast Guard, and may also be awarded to foreign military personnel serving alongside American forces, such as allies during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Recommendations for the award are processed through the chain of command and must be approved at a level commensurate with the award's significance.

Design and symbolism

The medal was designed by the sculptor Rudolph Freund of the firm Bailey, Banks and Biddle. The bronze, star-shaped pendant is one and a half inches in diameter, featuring a smaller, raised bronze star at its center. The central star is superimposed on a larger, four-pointed star, with rays extending between the points. The reverse is blank, allowing for engraving of the recipient's name. The ribbon is predominantly red, with a central vertical stripe of blue flanked by thin white and red edges, echoing the colors of the American flag. When the award is for valor, a bronze "V" device is centered on the ribbon bar and service ribbon. Oak leaf clusters are used to denote subsequent awards of the medal.

Notable recipients

Many prominent military and political figures have received the Bronze Star Medal. Among them are Senator John McCain, who was awarded the medal for his service as a naval aviator during the Vietnam War, and Secretary of State Colin Powell, who received it for his service in Vietnam. Celebrated author Kurt Vonnegut was awarded the medal for his actions as a private during the Battle of the Bulge. Other notable recipients include General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., commander of Coalition forces during the Gulf War, and astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who was decorated for his service as a fighter pilot during the Korean War. Civilian war correspondent Ernie Pyle was posthumously awarded the medal, a rare honor for a non-combatant.

Order of precedence and wearing

Within the precedence of United States military awards, the Bronze Star Medal is positioned after the Purple Heart and before the Meritorious Service Medal. When worn on a uniform, it is placed accordingly in order of precedence on the left side of the chest. For Army and Air Force personnel, multiple awards are denoted by oak leaf clusters on the ribbon. In the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard, gold and silver stars are used instead. The medal's ribbon is also worn on the service ribbon bar in the same sequence. Regulations governing its wear are detailed in the respective service uniform regulations, such as Army Regulation 670-1. Category:United States military awards and decorations Category:Military awards and decorations of the United States Army Category:Military awards and decorations of the United States Air Force