The Silver Star Medal is the United States' third-highest military decoration for valor in combat, awarded to members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves by gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. Established on July 9, 1918, as the Citation Star, it was initially awarded as a simple bronze citation star that could be worn on the suspension ribbon of the World War I Victory Medal. The Citation Star was not a separate medal, but rather a device to be worn on the ribbon of another medal, signifying that the wearer had been cited for gallantry in action.
On July 19, 1932, the Silver Star Medal was established by an Act of Congress, which authorized its award to any person who, after April 5, 1917, had been cited in orders for gallantry in action. The medal was designed by the Army's Quartermaster General, and its first awards were made retroactive to World War I. During World War II, the Silver Star Medal became a separate medal, rather than a device to be worn on another medal's ribbon. This change allowed the Silver Star to be awarded for specific acts of valor, rather than simply being a device to signify a citation for gallantry.
Key Points
- The Silver Star Medal is the United States' third-highest military decoration for valor in combat.
- It was established on July 9, 1918, as the Citation Star, and was initially awarded as a simple bronze citation star.
- The Silver Star Medal is awarded to members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves by gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.
- The medal is typically awarded for specific acts of valor, such as saving the life of a fellow soldier or demonstrating extraordinary bravery in the face of enemy fire.
- The Silver Star Medal is considered a prestigious award, and is often seen as a stepping stone to higher awards, such as the Distinguished Service Cross or the Medal of Honor.
Eligibility and Criteria
To be eligible for the Silver Star Medal, a service member must have distinguished themselves by gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. This can include acts such as saving the life of a fellow soldier, demonstrating extraordinary bravery in the face of enemy fire, or performing a heroic act that results in the success of a mission. The Silver Star Medal is typically awarded to officers and enlisted personnel who have demonstrated exceptional courage and valor in combat.
Awards and Notable Recipients
The Silver Star Medal has been awarded to thousands of service members since its establishment, including many notable recipients. One such recipient is General Douglas MacArthur, who was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his actions during World War I. Other notable recipients include General George S. Patton, General Omar Bradley, and Sergeant Alvin York, who was also awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War I.
| Conflict | Number of Awards |
|---|---|
| World War I | 6,309 |
| World War II | 106,122 |
| Korean War | 3,014 |
| Vietnam War | 20,653 |
| War in Afghanistan | 10,605 |
| Iraq War | 8,304 |
Design and Appearance
The Silver Star Medal is a gold and silver five-pointed star, with a laurel wreath in the center. The star is suspended from a red, white, and blue ribbon, with a gold and silver border. The medal is typically awarded with a citation, which describes the act of valor for which the award was made. The Silver Star Medal is worn on the left side of the uniform, and is considered a symbol of excellence and bravery in the armed forces.
Device and Oak Leaf Cluster
The Silver Star Medal can be awarded with a device, which is a small metal or cloth emblem that is attached to the ribbon. The device indicates the number of times the award has been made, with each device representing a subsequent award. The Oak Leaf Cluster is a device that is worn on the ribbon of the Silver Star Medal, and indicates a second or subsequent award of the medal.
What is the Silver Star Medal?
+The Silver Star Medal is the United States’ third-highest military decoration for valor in combat, awarded to members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves by gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.
How is the Silver Star Medal awarded?
+The Silver Star Medal is awarded to service members who have distinguished themselves by gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. The award is typically made for specific acts of valor, such as saving the life of a fellow soldier or demonstrating extraordinary bravery in the face of enemy fire.
Who is eligible for the Silver Star Medal?
+The Silver Star Medal is eligible to officers and enlisted personnel who have demonstrated exceptional courage and valor in combat. The award is typically made to service members who have distinguished themselves by gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.
