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Bronze Star Medal

The Bronze Star Medal (BSM) is a United States military decoration awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for acts of heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. The origin of the Bronze Star Medal can be traced back to World War II. It was established by Executive Order 9419, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 4, 1944, and was retroactively made effective as of December 7, 1941, the date of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The medal was originally conceived by Colonel Russell P. "Red" Reeder, who saw the need for a recognition similar to the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) for infantrymen, but applicable to all branches of service. The purpose was to honor the bravery, heroism, and meritorious service of those who did not qualify for higher awards, such as the Silver Star or the Medal of Honor, yet performed acts of significant valor or meritorious service.

Regulations governing the awarding of the Bronze Star Medal are detailed in military regulations, specifically the Department of Defense and individual service branch regulations. Generally, the award is given for acts performed in a combat zone and can be awarded for:

The medal is awarded with the "V" device to denote valor when it is given specifically for acts of heroism. Without the "V" device, the medal is awarded for meritorious achievement or service. The approval authority for the Bronze Star Medal varies by the level of command but typically requires endorsement by a senior officer, with final approval from a general officer or a commander authorized to award the medal.

The "V" device, officially known as the "Valor" device, was first introduced to U.S. military medals in 1944. It was created to denote acts of heroism or valor in combat, distinguishing those awards from others given for meritorious service or achievement.

Initially, the "V" device was authorized for the Bronze Star Medal, which was established that same year. The introduction of the "V" device allowed for a clear distinction between Bronze Stars awarded for valor in direct combat with the enemy and those awarded for meritorious service or achievement in a combat zone without direct combat.

Over time, the "V" device was extended to other U.S. military decorations, such as the Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal, whenever those awards were conferred for valor in combat situations.

The Bronze Star Medal has become one of the most prestigious awards in the U.S. military, honoring those who have distinguished themselves through acts of bravery, leadership, and service under combat conditions.

Bronze Star Medal

Bronze Star Medal

Bronze Star Ribbon

Bronze Star Ribbon

BSM Medal

The awarding of the Bronze Star Medal (BSM) in the U.S. Army is governed by specific regulations outlined in Army Regulation 600-8-22, "Military Awards." This regulation provides detailed criteria and procedures for the award, ensuring it is conferred appropriately based on the service member's actions in a combat zone. Below are the key elements of these regulations:

Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Combat Zone Requirement: The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person serving in or with the U.S. Army who has distinguished themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone. The service must be performed in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.
  2. Heroic Achievement or Service: The medal is awarded for acts of heroism that do not meet the higher criteria for the Silver Star. Acts must involve personal bravery or self-sacrifice above and beyond what is normally expected.
  3. Meritorious Achievement or Service: This criterion applies to actions that are outstanding but do not necessarily involve heroism. The achievement or service must still be of a high level, performed under combat conditions.
  4. Valor ("V") Device: When the Bronze Star Medal is awarded specifically for acts of heroism under combat conditions, the medal is accompanied by a "V" device. This device signifies valor and distinguishes the award from those given for meritorious service or achievement.

Approval Authority:

  1. Command Levels: The approval authority for the Bronze Star Medal typically resides with commanders of major units, such as brigades or higher. In some cases, lower-level commanders may have the authority if specifically delegated.
  2. Required Endorsements: Recommendations for the Bronze Star Medal usually require endorsements from several levels of command before final approval. The endorsing officers must verify the validity of the action or service described in the recommendation.

Award Process:

  1. Recommendation Submission: A recommendation for the Bronze Star Medal must be submitted using the appropriate forms (such as DA Form 638). The submission includes a narrative description of the action or service, supporting documentation, and endorsements from the chain of command.
  2. Timeliness: Recommendations for the Bronze Star Medal should be submitted and processed promptly after the qualifying act or service. However, there are provisions for retroactive awards.
  3. Presentation: Once approved, the Bronze Star Medal is presented to the recipient in a formal ceremony, highlighting the significance of the award and the distinguished service or heroism it represents.

Special Considerations:

  1. Retroactive Awards: The Bronze Star Medal can be awarded retroactively for service during previous conflicts, such as World War II, Korea, or Vietnam, if the individual meets the eligibility criteria.
  2. Foreign Military Personnel: The Bronze Star Medal may also be awarded to members of allied forces who have served with or alongside U.S. Army personnel in combat operations.

 

 

Bronze Star Awardees

The following are a few of the Bronze Star awardees that are found in the Sons of Liberty Museum collection.

Admiral Henry Mauz  BSM w/ "V" device.

Admiral William Crowe BSM w/ "V" device.

Anthony Olszewski BSM in WWII

BG Harvey Fraser  BSM w/"V" device and 1 OLC

BG Richard Harrison  BSM

General John Wickham  BSM

George Petrie  BSM w/V device, 1 OLC

LTG Orwin Talbott  BSM w/V device, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster

MG Kenneth Bowra  BSM w/"V" device, 2 Oak Leaf Clusters

MG Robert Bernstein BSM w/"V" device, 1OLC.