What does a Bronze Star with valor mean?

The Bronze Star with “V” is awarded fro valor or bravery during combat actions against an enemy force. It is the fourth highest award for military combat bravery.

How rare is the Bronze Star with valor?

one in 40 Bronze Stars
Only one in 40 Bronze Stars are awarded with a V-device, for those who did well under fire at extreme personal risk. When the medal is given by the Army and Air Force for acts of valor in combat, the V-device is authorized for wear on the medal.

How do you verify a Bronze Star?

Unfortunately, there is no name index for Bronze Star awards. The citations are issued at various levels of the military hierarchy. The Official Military Personnel File of a U.S. soldier will list the general order citation that includes the unit or command that issued the award.

What is the difference between a Bronze Star and a Bronze Star with valor?

The Bronze Star Medal with the “V” device to denote heroism is the fourth highest military decoration for valor. Although a service member may be cited for heroism in combat and be awarded more than one Bronze Star authorizing the “V” device, only one “V” may be worn on each suspension and service ribbon of the medal.

How many Bronze Star with valor have been awarded?

Since Nov. 1, 2001, the Air Force has awarded 10,469 Bronze Star Medals, but only 414 were awarded with valor for combat heroism.

Is the Bronze Star a Medal of Honor?

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.

How do I find out why a Bronze Star was awarded?

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Army of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against …

Is the 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.

What is the V-device on the Bronze Star?

for Heroism
Bronze Star with “V” (for Heroism) The Bronze Star Medal with the “V” device is awarded to any person who distinguished himself or herself by heroism against an armed enemy not involving participation in aerial flight.

Is a Bronze Star hard to get?

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.

How much money does a Medal of Honor recipient receive?

A Monthly Pension and Special Retirement Pay As of Dec. 1, 2020, Medal of Honor recipients receive a $1,406.73 monthly pension with annual cost-of-living increases in line with the Social Security Administration’s increases. This comes on top of any disability or retirement pay.

Can civilians get a Bronze Star for valor?

Civilians are also authorized earning the Bronze Star as well. A photo journalist during Vietnam, Joe Galloway, was awarded the Bronze Star with V for valor for rescuing a badly injured soldier during a battle in 1965 when he was reporting for the United Press International (UPI) News.

What are the criteria for receiving the Bronze Star?

Since its inception in 1944 to increase morale among low-ranking soldiers, the criteria for receiving the Bronze Star has been flexible and largely dependent on the discretion of the captains who award them.

What is the Bronze Star with’V’for?

It can be awarded for a single act of value or meritorious service. The Bronze Star with “V” is awarded fro valor or bravery during combat actions against an enemy force. It is the fourth highest award for military combat bravery.

Can a Bronze Star Medal be awarded for heroism?

It can also be awarded for heroism while serving with friendly forces engaged in combat against an opposing military in which the United States is not a belligerent party. Heroism carried out under acts as described, which are of a lesser degree than those awarded of the Silver Star, will justify the award of the Bronze Star Medal.