When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
TheBronze Star Medal(BSM) is aUnited States Armed Forces decorationawarded to members of theUnited States Armed Forcesfor either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in acombat zone.
When the medal is awarded by theArmy,Air Force, orSpace Forcefor acts of valor in combat, the"V" deviceis authorized for wear on the medal. When the medal is awarded by theNavy,Marine Corps, orCoast Guardfor acts of valor or meritorious service in combat, theCombat "V"is authorized for wear on the medal.
Officers from the otherUniformed Services of the United Statesare eligible to receive this award, as are foreign soldiers who have served with or alongside a service branch of the United States Armed Forces.[5][6]
Civilians serving with U.S. military forces in combat are also eligible for the award. For example,UPIreporterJoe Gallowaywas awarded the Bronze Star with "V" device for actions during theVietnam War, specifically rescuing a badly wounded soldier under fire in theBattle of Ia DrangValley, in 1965.[7][8]Another civilian recipient was writerErnest Hemingway.[9]
Titles of Distinction