Silver Star

Silver Star
Name	Silver Star
Caption	Silver Star Medal
Presented by	United States Department of Defense
Type	Military decoration
Eligibility	Members of the United States Armed Forces and allied forces
Awarded for	Gallantry in action
Status	Currently awarded
Established	1932 (as decoration retroactive)
Higher	Distinguished Service Cross / Navy Cross / Air Force Cross
Lower	Bronze Star Medal

Silver Star is a United States military decoration awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. Instituted in the early 20th century and codified in the 1930s, it is issued by the Department of Defense and authorized across branches including the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force, and United States Space Force. The medal recognizes conspicuous valor in combat operations, frequently appearing in narratives about campaigns such as World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and operations in Iraq War and Afghanistan.

History

The Silver Star traces origins to the Citation Star authorized by the United States Congress in 1918 for service during World War I. In 1932, an act of Congress authorized conversion of the Citation Star into the present medal, aligning with revisions in United States military awards policy and precedents set by decorations such as the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross. Throughout World War II, the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps adapted criteria during amphibious campaigns like Guadalcanal Campaign, while administrative changes during the Korean War and Vietnam War refined procedures involving the Department of the Navy and the Department of the Air Force. Post-9/11 conflicts including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom produced extensive award litigation and records involving the Military Awards Branch and service-specific review boards.

Eligibility and Criteria

Eligibility requires service in combat with demonstrated gallantry not justifying the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross. Nominations typically originate from unit commanders, pass through chain-of-command review such as commands at United States Central Command or United States Indo-Pacific Command, and culminate with approval by service secretaries and, in some cases, the President of the United States. The Silver Star may be awarded to members of allied forces under provisions used in coalition operations with partners like United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and South Korea. Multiple awards are denoted by devices consistent with branch regulations issued by entities such as the Department of the Army and Department of the Navy.

Design and Insignia

The medal consists of a gilt or silver five-pointed star on a laurel wreath, suspended from a ribbon with red, white, and blue stripes, produced under contracts with defense manufacturers and overseen by the Institute of Heraldry (U.S. Army). The suspension bar, reverse inscriptions, and service-specific attachments follow specifications published by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology standards and branch heraldic offices. Devices denoting subsequent awards conform to directives issued by the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Army, with service badges and ribbon machines used by contractors who supply insignia to the Defense Logistics Agency.

Notable Recipients

Recipients include prominent military figures and public personalities recognized across conflicts: decorated veterans from World War II such as officers in the United States Army Air Forces, commanders in the United States Navy during Pacific campaigns, leaders from the Korean War and Vietnam War including members of Task Force Smith engagements, and modern recipients from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Many awardees later appear in biographies tied to institutions like United States Military Academy or United States Naval Academy, or in public service roles within agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency or Department of Veterans Affairs.

Civilian and Foreign Awards

While primarily military, protocols exist for awarding the Silver Star to foreign military personnel who demonstrate gallantry in joint operations with U.S. forces, coordinated through diplomatic channels involving the United States Department of State and allied ministries of defense like the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom). Civilian employees of federal agencies embedded in combat zones—such as contractors working with United States Special Operations Command or civilian advisors attached to United States Agency for International Development missions—are generally ineligible for the Silver Star; alternative recognition may come from awards like the Distinguished Public Service Award administered by specific departments.

Controversies and Revisions

Controversies have centered on upgrade reviews, rescinded recommendations, and disparities in award distribution across units and demographics, prompting Congressional inquiries and reviews by the Government Accountability Office. High-profile cases triggered debates in media outlets and among veterans' organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. Revisions to award guidance have addressed standards for valor vs. meritorious service, correcting records for overlooked actions in historical conflicts such as World War II and Korean War through boards like the Board for Correction of Military Records.

Category:United States military awards Category:Military decorations and medals of the United States