Silver Star

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Silver Star BAR

Mullen Awards Silver Star to Capt. Ambrosia

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Cheney Presents Silver Star to Spc. Monica Brown

Silver Star

The Silver Star is a military decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. The medal is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is also available to members of foreign armed services who are serving with the U.S. military.

History

The Silver Star Medal was established by Congress in 1932 to replace the Citation Star, a bronze star device that was awarded on the ribbon of the service medal for those who had shown gallantry in action. The Citation Star was established in 1918, but it was felt that an actual medal was a more appropriate form of recognition. The first Silver Star was awarded to General Douglas MacArthur for his service in World War I.

Criteria

The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. To be eligible, the act of gallantry must have been performed while engaged in action against an enemy, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The valor must be of a lesser degree than that required for the Distinguished Service Cross but must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction.

Appearance

The medal is a gold five-pointed star, 1 1/2 inches in circumscribed diameter with a laurel wreath encircling rays from the center and a superimposed silver star in the center. The ribbon of the Silver Star Medal is red with a blue middle stripe, flanked by white stripes. The reverse of the medal has the inscription "For Gallantry in Action".

Notable Recipients

Many notable military personnel have received the Silver Star for their acts of valor in combat, including Audie Murphy, one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II, and Leigh Ann Hester, the first woman to receive the Silver Star for direct combat action.

Controversies

Over the years, there have been controversies regarding the awarding of the Silver Star, including instances of awards being rescinded or questioned due to lack of evidence or procedural errors. Despite these controversies, the Silver Star remains a symbol of bravery and gallantry in military service.

See Also

• Medal of Honor
• Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
• Bronze Star Medal