Citation Star

Citation Star. The Citation Star was a United States Department of War award device authorized for wear on campaign medals to denote an act of gallantry in combat. Established in 1918, it was awarded to members of the United States Army for heroic actions during World War I and subsequent conflicts prior to World War II. The device was a small silver star that could be affixed to the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medal or the Army of Occupation of Germany Medal. In 1932, the Citation Star was largely superseded by the creation of the Silver Star medal, which converted the earlier device into a distinct decoration.

History and background

The Citation Star was established by an act of the United States Congress on July 9, 1918, during the final months of World War I. Its creation was driven by a need to formally recognize individual acts of bravery that did not meet the higher threshold required for the Medal of Honor or the then-inactive Certificate of Merit. The authority to award the star was granted to the Secretary of War, based upon recommendations from theater commanders. Following the Armistice of 11 November 1918, the award criteria were extended to cover actions in subsequent campaigns, including the United States occupation of the Dominican Republic and the United States occupation of Haiti. The device remained the Army's primary award for gallantry below the Medal of Honor until a major review of the military awards system in the early 1930s.

Design and specifications

The device was a five-pointed star, three-sixteenths of an inch in diameter, made of silver. It was designed to be worn as a small metallic device centered on the ribbon of an authorized campaign medal. For the World War I Victory Medal, it was worn on the ribbon bar or service ribbon above the campaign clasp denoting the specific theater, such as Meuse-Argonne or Somme Offensive. When awarded for service during the American Expeditionary Forces Siberian Intervention, it was worn on the ribbon of the Army of Occupation of Germany Medal. No official citation certificate was issued with the star; recognition was typically recorded in the soldier's official military service records held by the Adjutant General's Corps.

Criteria and award process

The star was awarded for "gallantry in action" that was of a lesser degree than that required for the Medal of Honor. The action had to occur in actual combat against an armed enemy force. Recommendations were initiated by a soldier's chain of command, often following notable engagements like the Battle of Saint-Mihiel or the Second Battle of the Marne. The final approval authority rested with the Secretary of War, based on the endorsement of the commanding general of the American Expeditionary Forces, such as General of the Armies John J. Pershing. There was no formal ceremony mandated, and the award was often presented in the field or at unit headquarters.

Notable recipients

Many soldiers who later achieved high rank or fame received the Citation Star for actions in World War I. Notable recipients include Douglas MacArthur, who was recognized for his leadership and reconnaissance missions while serving with the 42nd Infantry Division. George S. Patton was awarded the star for his actions commanding the 304th Tank Brigade during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Other distinguished recipients included Lesley J. McNair of the 1st Infantry Division and William J. Donovan, who later founded the Office of Strategic Services. In 1932, all living recipients of the Citation Star were eligible to apply for the newly created Silver Star medal to replace their device.

Legacy and related awards

The Citation Star's primary legacy was its direct evolution into the Silver Star medal, authorized by the United States Department of War on July 19, 1932, under the authority of General Douglas MacArthur. This action transformed the small ribbon device into a full-fledged neck decoration, ranking below the Distinguished Service Cross in precedence. The Purple Heart, revived in 1932, also filled a different niche by recognizing wounds received in combat. For United States Navy and United States Marine Corps personnel, analogous recognition for gallantry was provided by the Navy Cross. The creation of the Bronze Star Medal in 1944 further expanded the hierarchy of United States Armed Forces awards for valor, solidifying a system where the Silver Star, born from the Citation Star, holds a distinguished place.

Category:Military awards and decorations of the United States Category:United States Army awards