| Place | North & Central America: United States of America |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL25146.010 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Bronze |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United States of America |
| Date made | 1939-1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
United States Bronze Star
Description
United States of America Bronze Star Medal is a bronze star and in the centre a 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) diameter superimposed bronze star, the centre line of all rays of both stars coinciding. The reverse has the inscription "HEROIC OR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT" and a space for the name of the recipient to be engraved. The star is suspended from a loose rectangular shaped metal loop with the corners rounded. The is 1 3/8 inches (35 mm) wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/32 inch (0.79 mm) white 67101; 9/16 inch (14 mm) scarlet 67111; 1/32 inch (0.79 mm) white; centre stripe 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) ultramarine blue 67118; 1/32 inch (0.79 mm) white; 9/16 inch (14 mm) scarlet; and 1/32 inch (0.79 mm) white.
History / Summary
The Bronze Star Medal is the fourth-highest individual military award and the ninth-highest by order of precedence in the US Military. It may be awarded for acts of heroism, acts of merit, or meritorious service in a combat zone. When awarded for acts of heroism, the medal is awarded with the "V" device.
The medal is sometimes referred to as the Bronze Star. Foreign soldiers, as well as officers from the other federal uniformed services are also eligible to receive the decoration when serving with or alongside a service branch of the United States Armed Forces.