Privacy statement, cookies, disclaimer and copyright, On a journey of discovery to historical sites? In the center is a 316 inch (4.8mm) diameter superimposed bronze star, the center line of all rays of both stars coinciding. Instituted: 1944 and is retroactive to 7 Dec. 1941, Criteria: The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to individuals who, while serving in the United States Armed Forces in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. A civilian reporter and photographer, Joe Galloway, received this medal during the Vietnam War in 1965 for rescuing a wounded soldier under fire. 3, dated 10 February 1944. Once you identify the issuing unit and specific General Orders, you should be able to request a copy of that document from NARA Textual Reference . (3) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed forces in which the United States is not a belligerent party. Copyright 2023 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. BRONZE STAR RECIPIENTS Authorized on February 4, 1944, the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to members of all branches of military service. At the time of the Executive Order, for example, the US was not a belligerent in Vietnam, so US advisers serving with the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces would not have been eligible for the award. Here are 7 things to know about this prestigious military award. On the reverse of the star is the inscription, HEROIC OR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT, along with the recipients name. [9], The Bronze Star Medal was established by Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (superseded by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, as amended by Executive Order 13286, 28 February 2003). Awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or marine corps (including foreign military personnel), distinguishes him/herself after 6 December 1941, by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. of Defense or any governmental entity. [16][17] The following ribbon devices must be specifically authorized in the award citation in order to be worn on the Bronze Star Medal, the criteria for and wear of the devices vary between the services: Colonel Russell P. "Red" Reeder conceived the idea of the Bronze Star Medal in 1943; he believed it would aid morale if captains of companies or of batteries could award a medal to deserving people serving under them. Civilians also are eligible to receive the Bronze Star. It was based on the idea of Colonel Russell P. "Red" Reeder in 1943. These devices can be worn on a ribbon bar or the ribbon of the medal itself. The Bronze Star Medal was designed by Rudolf Freund (1878-1960) of the jewelry firm Bailey, Banks & Biddle. The idea was picked up by General George C. Marshall who wrote a memorandum to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. [24], This article is about the US military award. This award may be presented to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, and Coast guard. The conditions of the award include a requirement that the meritorious acts or service happen: The requirements to earn a BSM are lower than those require to earn the Silver Star. Bronze Star Medal Post navigation Combat Infantry Badge Bronze Star Meaning: 7 Things To Know About This Military Medal. (NOTE: The establishment of the Gallant Unit Citation and Meritorious Unit Award warranted the discontinuance of the "V" device being authorized for approved USAF unit awards). The "V" device on the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award is only authorized for the period of Nov. 15 . Enter your email for updates and we'll send them straight to your inbox! Documents executed since 4 August 1944 in connection with recommendations for the award of decorations of higher degree than the Bronze Star Medal cannot be used as the basis for an award under this paragraph. Information from your device can be used to personalize your ad experience. (1) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; Medal of Honor. All radials in the centre of both stars continue in one each other. Departments of Defense or Veterans Affairs. Neither Veteran.com nor Three Creeks Media are associated with or endorsed by the U.S. Officially Hallmarked and approved by the U.S. Institute of Heraldry, Official military grade, premium qualityfull size medal, Medal and ribbon made to the highest official government standards, Made, inspected, and shipped by Veterans in the USA, Standard 2 prong and clutch back, uniform approved, Skip to the beginning of the images gallery. (2) Leadership Achievement which merits the award must : When the medal is awarded by the Army, Air Force, or Space Force for acts of valor in combat, the "V" device is authorized for wear on the medal. Other Bronze Star devices indicate the number of conflicts in which the recipient participated and received awards. The last item listed is "Bronze Star Medal GO 16 HQ 35 INF 9 MAR 45" - meaning that a Bronze Star Medal was awarded by Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, on General Orders number 16, 9 March 1945. The Bronze Star Medal was designed by Rudolf Freund of Bailey, Banks and Biddle who also designed the Silver Star. In the middle there can be found another bronze star with a diametre of 3/16 inch (4,8 mm). History buffs will love this list of prominent Bronze Star Medal winners, which includes almost every Bronze Star Medal recipient since the award's inception, with photos. It's given either for meritorious service or combat action. It is important to distinguish that a service star is not an individual medal, whereas the Bronze Star is. Some sources hold that Reeder felt it would improve morale if those who led soldiers in the field had the ability to reward exceptional service. The award may cover an extended period of time during which a higher award may have been recommended or received for specific act(s). The acts of heroism are of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star. take heat after receiving medals", "Air Force officials clarify Bronze Star approval process", "Air Force to award 61 more Bronze Stars", "Bronze Star Shines Again As Combat Award", "Charles Mergendahl Dies, Bay Street TV Editor, Author", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bronze_Star_Medal&oldid=1137686779, "Heroic or meritorious achievement or service", 4 February 1944 (retroactive through 7 December 1941). The medal is awarded in three categories: valor, merit and achievement. For his prosecution of court martial cases as well as federal court cases involving procurement fraud and military medals fraud, DeSantis was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Like the colors of the American flag, the colors of the. Amazon's Choice MEDALS OF AMERICA EST. To earn a Bronze Star, you have to perform an action that shows bravery and courage. (2) while engaged in military operation involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or The Bronze Star Medal is the fourth-highest individual military award. All rights reserved. The Bronze Star and Silver Star medals were designed by Rudolf Freund of Bailey, Banks and Biddlea Philadelphia jewelry firm. At this time there was a debate over whether the Air Force was too liberal in its policies for reviewing BSM submissions. -Alternatively, during service with a foreign ally against a hostile force Reeders proposal for the Ground Medal was taken up by General George C. Marshall. When the medal is awarded by the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard for acts of valor or meritorious service in combat, the Combat "V" is authorized for wear on the medal. President Roosevelt authorized the Bronze Star Medal by Executive Order 9419 dated 4 February 1944, retroactive to 7 December 1941. The award may be issued with the bronze V device for valor, oak leaf clusters (Army/Air Force), or stars (Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard). ColonelRussell P. Red Reederconceived the idea of the Bronze Star Medal in 1943; he believed it would aid morale if captains of companies or of batteries could award a medal to deserving people serving under them. In addition to establishing the Bronze Star as a military award, the order became a retroactive precedent for service members dating back to the attack on Pearl Harbor. President John F. Kennedy amended Executive Order 9419 per Executive Order 11046 dated 24 August 1962 to expand the authorization to include those serving with friendly forces. Worthy of special recognition, but not to the degree required for the Bronze Star Medal when combat is involved or the Navy and Marine Corps Medal when combat is not involved. All rights reserved. All radials in the centre of both stars continue in one each other. This allowed the expansion of qualifying criteria to include those serving with friendly militaries. At least five were awarded to officers who never left Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. It can also be awarded for those who perform their duties in a meritorious manner in a combat zone, even if they do not directly participate in combat action. A bronze "V" for "Valor" was awarded when the Bronze Star was received for heoism in battle, thus distincting the award from the Bronze Stars warded for merit. For this purpose, the US Army's Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical Badge award is considered as a citation in orders. 9419 on Feb. 4, 1944, is awarded to a person in any branch of the military service who, while serving in any capacity with the armed forces of the United States on or after Dec. 7, 1941, shall have distinguished himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, after December 6, 1941, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, distinguishes himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight. To merit this award, the acts or services must be accomplished or performed in a manner above that normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual above those performing similar services, as set forth in the following: (1) For Acts of Heroism. BRONZE STAR. The Bronze Star Medal recognizes service members who show acts of heroism in the field, or who are meritorious in their work. The Bronze Star is a 1-inch diameter star made of bronze and it hangs from a red ribbon with a vertical blue stripe surrounded by thin vertical white stripes. The award shall be given for meritorious service or achievement in a combat or noncombat situation based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature, and shall be of such merit as to warrant more tangible recognition than is possible by a fitness report or evaluation sheet, but which does not warrant a Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal or higher. (3) For Meritorious Service. The Bronze Star Medal ( BSM) is a United States Armed Forces decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone . The suspension ribbon is138inches (35mm) wide and consists of the following stripes:132inch (0.79mm) white 67101;916inch (14mm) scarlet 67111;132inch (0.79mm) white; center stripe18inch (3.2mm) ultramarine blue 67118;132inch (0.79mm) white;916inch (14mm) scarlet; and132 inch (0.79mm) white. Military Medals to Know Bronze Star. -On or following December 6, 1941. The Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal may also be awarded to members of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation consistent with the eligibility requirements specified in chapter 6. Established on February 4, 1944, the Bronze Star Medal (more commonly known simply as the Bronze Star) honors members of any branch of the United States Armed Forces who demonstrate exceptional or heroic achievement so as to set themselves apart from their peers, though to a lesser degree that what would warrant a Silver Star or the Legion of Merit. According to the Air Force, non-combat awards of the Bronze Star are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and that is what helps maintain the integrity of the award. No tables, rankings or lists are fully comprehensive and do not include all companies or available products. The awards sparked a debate as to whether or not the Air Force was awarding too many medals to its members, and whether the Bronze Star should be awarded for non-combat service. The performance should be well above that usually expected of an individual commensurate with his grade or rate, and above that degree of excellence which can be appropriately reflected in the individuals fitness report or personnel records. [5][6], Civilians serving with U.S. military forces in combat are also eligible for the award. There must be no margin of doubt or possibility of error in awarding this honor. (3) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. www.identifymedals.com Identify Medals All rights reserved - 2022, The NASA Exceptional Technology Achievement Medal, The NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal, The New York City Police Department Combat Cross, The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, The NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal, The Inter Allied Victory Medal (United States). The Bronze Star is, appropriately, made of bronze. It also recognizes single acts of merit and meritorious service if the achievement or service is of a lesser degree than that deemed worthy of the Legion of Merit; but such service must have been accomplished with distinction. To any foreign soldier that fought in close coperation with the United States Army, the decoration could also be awarded. Like the colors of the American flag, the colors of the Bronze Star ribbon (or drapery) represent the values of purity, perseverance and bravery. In its center is a smaller raised star. Meritorious or heroic acts during aerial flight are disqualified from this award. Veteran.com is a property of Three Creeks Media. Colonel Reeder initially called his idea the Ground Medal, and his proposal quickly moved up the channels until it reached President Franklin D. Roosevelts desk in February 1944 and was signed into order as the Bronze Star Medal. Learn more about this military medal here. (1) In action against an enemy of the United States. In 1947, the medal also retroactively replaced the Combat Medical Badge and Combat Infantryman Badge for World War II. To receive a Bronze Star, a commander must recommend the service member to receive the medal with a citation in their orders. In 2012, following reports of Air Force members being subject to harassment after receiving non-combat BSMs, a review of BSM award policies was undertaken. The action it was to be awarded for had to be of significant value. (b) Be sustained so as to demonstrate a high state of development or, if for a specific achievement, be of such merit as to earn singular recognition for the act(s); and Officers from the otherUniformed Services of the United Statesare eligible to receive this award, as are foreign soldiers who have served with or alongside a service branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Bronze Star Medal, or BSM, dates back to World War II. Here are other criteria for actions that determine how a Bronze Star is earned: A Bronze Star with a V denote valor or bravery during combat actions against an enemy force. The Bronze Star Medal, often called the Bronze Star colloquially, is a United States military decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. These devices include: The Bronze Star requires a commander to recommend the service member to receive the medal, along with a citation in their orders. [22][23] In the end, there was a Pentagon review and decision by Congress in 2001 to stop the awarding of Bronze Stars to personnel outside the combat zone. The Bronze Star Medal, or BSM, dates back to World War II. To justify the decoration, the individual's service must clearly be rendered conspicuous above their comrades by an act so outstanding that it clearly distinguishes their gallantry beyond the call of duty from lesser forms of bravery; and it must be the type of deed which if not done would not subject the individual to any justified criticism. The First Ever Military Medal: Who Created it and Why. The award recognizes acts of heroism performed in ground combat if they are of lesser degree than that required for the Silver Star. In the center is a 316 inch (4.8 mm) diameter superimposed bronze star, the center line of all rays of both stars coinciding. At every fifth award, the bronze and golden were replaced by a a silver oak leaf cluster or silver star. The Bronze Star Medal was designed by Rudolf Freund of Bailey, Banks and Biddle who also designed the Silver Star. In 1947 the possibilities for awarding were enlarged. [19] The idea eventually rose through the military bureaucracy and gained supporters. [13] (Freund also designed the Silver Star. Thus, a number of Allied soldiers received the Bronze Star Medal in World War II, as well as UN soldiers in the Korean War, Vietnamese and allied forces in the Vietnam War, and coalition forces in recent military operations such as the Persian Gulf War, War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War. Awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, is cited for gallantry in action that does not warrant the Medal of Honor or Navy Cross. Vietnam War: 719,969 recipients: 549,343 for achievement and service and 170,626 for valor, Operation Iraqi Freedom: 102,345 recipients: 99,886 for achievement and service and 2,459 for valor, qualify for the Bronze Star with the V device, The Differences Between a Military Decoration and a Military Medal, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pubH-5CulqI, Military Funeral Guide for Families & Funeral Homes, The Ultimate Military Gift Guide for Unique Military Gifts, Black Military History and Black Medal of Honor Recipients. (1) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; [10] WEIGHTED AIRMAN PROMOTED SYSTEM POINT VALUE: 5, An official website of the United States government, WEIGHTED AIRMAN PROMOTED SYSTEM POINT VALUE, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. At least one published news item from November 2000, by a Tribune Companies publication includes this line: The Air Force and Navy brass tainted that award earlier this year by passing out dozens of Bronze Stars for service in Kosovo to officers and enlisted people who never left home or never got within hundreds of miles of the fighting.. As a result of a study conducted in 1947, a policy was implemented that authorized the retroactive award of the Bronze Star Medal (without the "V" device) to all soldiers who had received the Combat Infantryman Badge or the Combat Medical Badge during World War II. (1) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; (5) As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force. 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bronze star medal