From: bayliss@skat.usc.edu (T.Drew Bayliss)
Newsgroups: alt.war
Subject: Re: How to get a bronze star?
Date: 15 Nov 1992 12:19:01 -0800
Organization: University Computing Services--U.S.C.
NNTP-Posting-Host: skat.usc.edu

In article <1992Nov11.205959.9290@news.columbia.edu> dan@cubmol.bio.columbia.edu (Daniel Zabetakis) writes:
>
>    My brother-in-law won a Bronze Star in Vietnam. Since he _never_
>talks about his experiences there, I was wondering what kind of things you
>get a Bronze Star for.
>   The medal says "for valour or meritorious conduct" which could be just
>about anything.

	 cannot say from experience, however, I will quote from the
45th edition of the Army Officers Guide, p. 407.:

	" The Bronze Star Medal was established by Executive Order
	in 1944, which was superceeded by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 
	1962. It is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity 
	in or with th Army of the United States after 6 December 1941,
	distinguishes himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement
	or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection
	with military operations against an armed enemy or while engaged in 
	military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force
	in which the United States is not a belligerant party.
	Awards may be made for acts of heroism that are of a lessor degree than
	required for award of the Silver Star.
	Awards may be made for achievement or meritorious service that, while
	of a lessor degree than that required for the award of the Legion of
	Merit, have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction."

Personal translation: 
	You're not flying. ( Thats's what the flying Crosses are for. )
	You're in what is considered a combat zone, or in some way engaged
	with hostile belligerant forces. ( now includes terrorists. )
	You perform some duty or responsibilty VERY WELL, or,
	You act in a heroic manner.

There are very very few situations where anyone would ever get a chance to
earn a Medal of Honor. Usually the situation is so dangerous, would be heroes
would die long before they get the chance.

There are other (more) situations, but still, a very limited number, where an
individual could act heroicly in such a way as to warrant a silver star.

The Bronze star is not just another brownie button. You have to actually DO
something amazing to be awarded for it. It has to involve an armed enemy in
some respect. Usually people who earna nd deserve a Bronze star are recommended
for a Silver star and it their exploits are downgraded by command to earn a
Bronze.

A bronze oak leaf cluster is worn on the ribbon for the second and seceeding
awards of the Bronze Star ( and all other U.S. Medals.) A SIlver Oak leaf 
cluster is worn for the fifth.

Hope this helps at least a little....

2Lt. T. Drew Bayliss
Armored Cavalry
Let the Bugler sound the Charge!

-- 
T. Drew Bayliss       UU UU     SSS CCCC    University of Southern California
Questions gladly       UU UU   SS    CC                Soon to be unemployed.
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