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 Ribbon
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:
Approval Authority:
Award Process:
Special Considerations:
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
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.