Colonel Russell P. `` Red '' Reeder conceived the idea of the Bronze Star Medal in 1943 ; he believed it would aid morale if captains of companies or of batteries could award a medal to deserving people serving under them .
The Bronze Star Medal was an idea by Colonel Russell P. `` Red '' Reeder in 1943 . He believed it would aid if there was a medal which could be awarded by captains of companies or batteries to deserving people serving under them .