Definition

Noun: A United States military decoration awarded for meritorious service or for acts of heroism not involving aerial flight. It is a bronze star-shaped medal.

Usage

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces. It recognizes specific acts of heroism, acts of merit, or meritorious service in a combat zone. The medal is distinct from the Bronze Star, which is a device worn on certain service medals.

Examples

• The soldier was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his courageous actions during the ground assault.
• Her citation for the Bronze Star Medal detailed months of meritorious service under constant enemy fire.
• Display cases in the veterans' hall held several Bronze Star Medals.

Advanced Usage

• The award can be denoted with a "V" device (for valor) attached to the ribbon, indicating it was awarded for heroic action.
  • He received the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device for saving his comrades while under direct attack.

Variants and Related Words

• Bronze Star: A bronze star device that is worn on the ribbon of the Victory Medal in World War I and certain other service medals. It is a separate award from the Bronze Star Medal, though the names are often confused.
• Bronze Star Medal with Valor ("V"): The specific designation when the medal is awarded for heroic action.

Synonyms

• Military decoration
• Service medal (specific to this type of award)

Related Phrases

• To be awarded the Bronze Star Medal: The standard phrase for receiving this honor.
  • He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his leadership.
• Bronze Star Medal recipient: A person who has received the award.
  • The ceremony honored Bronze Star Medal recipients from the recent conflict.

Noun

1. a United States military decoration awarded for meritorious service (except in aerial flight)