What does a star on the Vietnam Service Medal mean?

A Silver Service Star is added to the ribbon to denote the 5th, 10th, etc. (4) Serve on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in Vietnam or contiguous areas, except that the time limit may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations.

What are the three stars on Vietnam Service Medal for?

Service star (campaign star): for participation in or support of operations in the seventeen designated campaigns of the Vietnam War, a 3⁄16 inch bronze service star is authorized for wear on the Vietnam Service Medal suspension and service ribbon for each of the campaigns from 15 March 1962 to 28 January 1973; a 3⁄16 ...

What does a Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star mean?

Personnel are authorized one bronze campaign star for each qualifying campaign with a silver star worn in lieu of five bronze stars. The design of the medal's suspension ribbon reflects that of the flag of the former South Vietnam -- yellow with three red stripes.

What do stars mean on military ribbons?

Also known as Campaign or Battle Stars, bronze service stars are worn on service ribbons to denote an additional award of a medal or to indicate participation in a designated campaign.

What is a Bronze Star in Vietnam?

Bronze Stars were awarded to well known veterans such as news personality Andy Rooney, Senator John McCain and writer and columnist James Brady. A civilian photographer named Joe Galloway received the medal during the Vietnam War for rescuing a wounded soldier in 1965.

Vietnam Service Medal, it's criteria, meaning and symbolism, Display it with Pride!

Did everyone who served in Vietnam get a Bronze Star?

Authorized on February 4, 1944, the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to members of all branches of military service.

How do you get a Bronze Star in Vietnam?

The Bronze Star, also known as the Bronze Star Medal or BSM for short, is a military medal awarded for heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. Wear of a “V” device on the medal is authorized for acts of valor in combat.

Why do some ribbons have stars on them?

A service star is a miniature bronze or silver five-pointed star 3⁄16 inch (4.8 mm) in diameter that is authorized to be worn by members of the eight uniformed services of the United States on medals and ribbons to denote an additional award or service period.

What does a gold star mean on a ribbon?

Gold stars are worn with medals and ribbons issued by the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and United States Air Force to indicate the second and subsequent awards of a particular medal.

How do you get a star on the National Defense Service Medal?

-Service members who earned the medal during the first qualifying period, and who again became entitled to the medal, wear a bronze star on the ribbon to denote the second award of the medal. The medal was designed by the Army of Heraldic Section.

Did you have to serve in Vietnam to be a Vietnam veteran?

Vietnam era veterans are those who served during the time of the Vietnam war but didn't set foot in the country of Vietnam. The Vietnam vet is one who was assigned within the combat zone of the country and it's surrounding waters.

Are Vietnam era veterans eligible for VA benefits?

Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.

What qualifies you for 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.

Are Bronze Stars common?

While Bronze Stars are only somewhat 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 did well under fire at extreme personal risk.

What years are you considered a Vietnam veteran?

In association with (A) above, the Commemoration uses the term "Vietnam veteran" to describe those who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of duty location.

What medals can a Vietnam era veteran wear?

Several decorations (Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal) may be awarded for valor, or for merit. Awards for valor recognize bravery in action against an enemy and have an attached "V" device valor device. Awards for merit recognize service.

What qualifies a Gold Star family?

Gold star families – spouses, children, parents, siblings or others whose loved one died in service to our nation – are a vital part of our country's military community and history.

Who qualifies as a Gold Star Mother?

When an active-duty service member dies, his or her mother automatically becomes a Gold Star Mother. It's a distinction that no mother wants, but it's one they wear proudly.

How do you get a star on a Combat Action Ribbon?

For a military member to be awarded a Combat Action Ribbon evidence must establish the member engaged the enemy, was under hostile fire, or was physically attacked by the enemy.

Why does the military use stars?

Worn to denote subsequent awards or periods of service. A service star is a miniature metal device worn by members of the seven uniformed services of the United States on medals and ribbons issued by the uniformed services to denote additional awards or periods of service.

What is a battle star in military?

noun U.S. Military. a small bronze star worn on a campaign ribbon by members of organizations taking part in certain battles or other wartime operations. a small silver star similarly worn, equivalent to five bronze battle stars.

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 difference between the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal?

The Vietnam Service Medal is a U.S. medal introduced during the War. It was authorized by an executive order in 1965. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal is what is known as a foreign award, a military decoration or medal that is awarded to American troops who aided that country in a conflict.

Who gets the Vietnam Service Medal?

United States serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace thereover, after July 3, 1965 through March 28, 1973. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspace thereover, during the same period and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam are also ...

What is the meaning of a Bronze Star?

Definition of Bronze Star

: a U.S. military decoration awarded for valor or for meritorious service not involving aerial flights.