Is a Bronze Star a big deal?

The Bronze Star Medal, or BSM, dates back to World War II. Today, it is the fourth-highest ranking award a service member can receive for a heroic and meritorious deed performed in an armed conflict. For those who receive the BSM, it is a signal of their sacrifice, bravery and honor while serving their country.

Does everyone get a Bronze Star?

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, after December 6, 1941, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, distinguishes himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight.

Is it hard to get a Bronze Star?

While Bronze Stars are fairly common, those with V devices – for combat gallantry – are much more rare. Only one in 40 Bronze Stars are awarded with a V-device, for those who performed well under fire at great personal risk.

Why does someone get a Bronze Star?

The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight.

How many Bronze Star recipients are there?

The Bronze Star was awarded in the following conflicts: World War II: 395,380 recipients. Korean War: 30,359 recipients. Vietnam War: 719,969 recipients: 549,343 for achievement and service and 170,626 for valor.

Bronze Star Medal for Valor and Merit with All New Attachments and Devices.

Why did Beau Biden get a Bronze Star?

For his service in Iraq, Biden was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Who is the most decorated soldier in history?

Audie Murphy (1924–1971) was the most decorated soldier in US history, winning 24 medals from the Congressional Medal of Honor down. His exploits were the subject of To Hell and Back (USA, 1956), in which he starred as himself.

Can you get a Bronze Star without being in combat?

The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded for the following services: Meritorious Service in a combat zone (not necessarily combat action), an heroic achievement, or heroic service during combat operations against an enemy. Civilians are also authorized earning the Bronze Star as well.

What is the difference between a Bronze Star and a bronze Service Star?

The star on the Bronze Star is approximately 1-1/2 inches. Bronze Service Stars, which are also referred to as campaign stars, battle stars or engagement stars, denote participation in a particular military campaign or engagement.

What is the highest honor in the military?

The nation's highest military award for valor is the Medal of Honor, presented by the president in Congress' name.

How much are military medals worth?

Nowadays, World War II medals can fetch as little as $5 to $10. The main reason is that these medals are usually unnamed and can't be easily linked to a recipient. Others, however, have been issued in small quantities and have a higher collector's value.

Why did Tom Cotton get a Bronze Star?

Cotton was honorably discharged in September 2009. During his time in the service, he completed two combat deployments overseas, was awarded a Bronze Star, two Army Commendation Medals, a Combat Infantryman Badge, a Ranger tab, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and an Iraq Campaign Medal.

What is Purple Heart in military?

Currently, the Purple Heart, per regulation is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917 has been wounded, killed, or has died after ...

What is the rarest military Medal?

The Victoria Cross is the 'holy grail' for medal collectors because there are only 1,357 in existence. Bearing the inscription 'For valour' and known as a VC, this medal was first awarded for 'conspicuous bravery' in 1856 and later backdated to the Crimean war of 1854.

Has anyone received 2 Medals of honor?

To date, the maximum number of Medals of Honor earned by any service member has been two. The last living individual to be awarded two Medals of Honor was John J. Kelly October 3, 1918; the last individual to receive two Medals of Honor for two different actions was Smedley Butler, in 1914 and 1915.

What is the hardest Medal to get in the military?

Is a Bronze Star considered a Medal of Honor?

There have been 299 medals awarded to members of the US Marine Corps and one medal awarded to a member of the US Coast Guard. The Navy version of the Medal of Honor is described as a five-pointed bronze star, each tipped with trefoils that contain a crown of laurel and oak.

What are the top 3 Army medals?

The five highest-ranking military medals for bravery in combat include the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), the Navy Cross, the Air Force Cross and the Silver Star Medal.

Is a silver or Bronze Star better?

To receive the Medal of Honor, for example, a recipient must have demonstrated “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.” The Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest decoration that can be bestowed on an American soldier, requires “extraordinary heroism.” The ...

Who can wear the Ranger tab?

Specifically, the tab is awarded to any person who earned a Combat Infantry Badge during the war while serving as a member of a Ranger Battalion (1st through 6th), the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) and 475th Infantry Regiment, famously nicknamed “Merrill's Marauders.” The tab is also authorized for wear by any ...

How long is a Senate term?

A senator's term of office is six years and approximately one-third of the total membership of the Senate is elected every two years. Look up brief biographies of Senators from 1774 to the present in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

Can I sell my military medals?

It is illegal to buy, sell, barter, or manufacture any decorations or medals authorized by Congress for the United States armed forces.