Bronze Star Medal

The Bronze Star (Bronze Star Medal ) is awarded by the U.S. armed forces that is awarded for outstanding achievements in combat or particularly deserving of duty. Excluded are flying missions, for this is the awarded approximately equal Distinguished Flying Cross. The medal was awarded in 1944 for the first time and can also be awarded to members of allied nations when they fight on the side of Americans.

Soldiers may be awarded the Bronze Star posthumously, when they deserve it by an act, while their design, they are killed.

On the back of the Bronze Star shows the lettering HEROIC ACHIEVEMENT OR Meritorious and the name of the award winners.

To distinguish whether the bronze was awarded Star for valor in combat missions or for special duty without the context of a combat mission, a small bronze V that is worn on the ribbon, what is called Combat Distinguishing Device, also known as short Combat V, .

In addition, the Bronze Star in addition to the Combat V awarded the Army and Air Force also with oak leaves. In the Navy, the Marines and the Coast Guard is a 5/16 inch star, a silver or gold star. The color of the star sometimes leads to confusion with the Silver Star.

The Bronze Star is the highest military award of the United States that can be awarded directly by division commanders and commanders in a similar position. All higher awards require the presentation by the Minister of the respective branches of the armed force ( for example, the Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross ).