Why does a soldier get a Bronze Star?

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.

Is Bronze Star a big deal?

Today, it is the fourth-highest ranking award a service member can receive for a heroic and meritorious deed performed in an armed conflict. For those who receive the BSM, it is a signal of their sacrifice, bravery and honor while serving their country.

What are the requirements to receive a Bronze Star?

The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded for the following services: Meritorious Service in a combat zone (not necessarily combat action), an heroic achievement, or heroic service during combat operations against an enemy. Civilians are also authorized earning the Bronze Star as well.

Is the Bronze Star rare?

While Bronze Stars are only somewhat common, those with V devices, for combat gallantry, are much more rare. Only one in 40 Bronze Stars are awarded with a V-device, for those who did well under fire at extreme personal risk. The Bronze Star Medal, or BSM, dates back to World War II.

How do you find out why a Bronze Star was awarded?

Unfortunately, there is no name index for Bronze Star awards. The citations are issued at various levels of the military hierarchy. The Official Military Personnel File of a U.S. soldier will list the general order citation that includes the unit or command that issued the award.

What is the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters mean?

The bronze oak leaf cluster represents second and subsequent entitlements of awards. The bronze Oak Leaf Cluster is awarded to and worn by Army and Air Force personnel on all US decorations, except the Air Medal, to denote the second and subsequent awards.

Is the Bronze Star a Medal of Honor?

Over half of the total amount of Army Medal of Honor recipients were awarded during the Civil War, with 1,522 recipients. The current US Army Medal of Honor is a five-pointed bronze star. Each point is tipped with trefoils and the entire star is surrounded by a green laurel wreath to symbolize victory.

What is higher than a Bronze Star?

While the Bronze Star is considered a “Ground Medal”, the Air Medal, created in 1942, is an award equivalent to the Bronze Star, but presented for heroism and meritorious achievements in aerial flight operations.

Did Bo Biden earn a Bronze Star?

For his service in Iraq, Biden was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Why did my dad get a Bronze Star?

Recall that the Bronze Star is awarded for two purposes: Valor in combat, which is denoted by wearing a “Combat V” device on the ribbon and suspension ribbon (with the medal itself), and it must be stated explicitly in the awarding documentation, and.

Is the Bronze Star hard to get?

While Bronze Stars are fairly common, those with V devices – for combat gallantry – are much more rare. Only one in 40 Bronze Stars are awarded with a V-device, for those who performed well under fire at great personal risk.

What is the most prestigious military award?

The Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the United States government’s highest and most prestigious military decoration that may be awarded to recognize American soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, Space Force guardians, and coast guardsmen who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor.