Overview
The Bronze Star Medal (BSM, or BSV with valor device) is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal, it is awarded for merit; with the “V” for valor device, it is awarded for heroism. It stands as the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award in the order of precedence.
General Information
Established by Executive Order 9419 in 1944, the Bronze Star recognizes those who distinguish themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving aerial flight, while serving after December 6, 1941. This includes actions against an enemy, operations involving conflict with a foreign force, or service with friendly foreign forces.
While the acts of heroism are of a lesser degree than those required for the Silver Star, they must nevertheless be meritorious and accomplished with distinction. The medal is strictly awarded to service members in combat who are receiving imminent danger pay.
Historical Context
The award was conceived by Colonel Russell P. “Red” Reeder in 1943. He proposed a “Ground Medal” to serve as an equivalent to the Air Medal, believing it would bolster the morale of infantry riflemen who were enduring the greatest hardships and heaviest losses.
General George C. Marshall championed the idea to President Roosevelt, noting that ground troops “lead miserable lives of extreme discomfort and are the ones who must close in personal combat with the enemy.” President Kennedy later expanded the authorization in 1962 to include those serving with friendly forces, an update that specifically allowed U.S. advisers in Vietnam to be eligible for the award.
Appearance & Devices
Designed by Rudolf Freund, the medal is a 1½-inch bronze star. The reverse is inscribed with “HEROIC OR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT” and includes a space for the recipient’s name. Additional awards are denoted by oak leaf clusters (Army/Air Force) or 5/16 inch stars (Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard).
The “V” device signifies an award resulting from an act of combat heroism. When authorized with the “V,” the Bronze Star is recognized as the military’s fourth highest award for valor.