What does the V on a Bronze Star mean?

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.

Can you earn multiple Bronze Stars?

3. No more than one Bronze Star Medal shall be awarded to any one person, but for each succeeding heroic or meritorious achievement or service justifying such an award a suitable device may be awarded to be worn with the medal as prescribed by appropriate regulations.

How many Bronze Stars with V have been awarded?

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.

When was the V device added to the Bronze Star?

History. In 1944, the Army authorized the “V” Device as an attachment to be worn on the Bronze Star Medal. The “V” device was first worn to denote an award for valor in 1945. The Secretary of the Navy authorized the Combat “V” for the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal on February 13, 1946.

Is there a list of all bronze star recipients?

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. We suggest you begin there.

What is the criteria for awarding a Bronze Star?

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 justifies a Bronze Star?

The Bronze Star Medal (BSM) is a United States Armed Forces decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone.

Is there a list of all Bronze Star recipients?