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Why is it called the Silver Star if the medal looks gold?

The medal is actually made of bronze and given a gold-colored finish. The name comes from the small silver star placed right in the center of the award. This design was chosen to honor the original Citation Star that started in 1918.

What did this award replace?

It replaced a tiny decoration known as the Citation Star. That small star was worn on campaign ribbons to show bravery during World War I. In 1932, the military decided to upgrade that small star into this larger, full-sized medal to better honor heroic acts on the battlefield.

Can an Air Force pilot earn this medal?

Yes, any person serving in the U.S. military can earn this award. It does not matter if they are in the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard. Because it is given for gallantry in battle, it is open to every service member who fights for the country.

Does non-combat heroism qualify?

No, this medal is only for acts of bravery during active fighting against an enemy. A person must show great courage while facing danger in a war zone to be considered. Helping others in everyday situations or non-combat training does not count for this specific medal.

Who received the very first modern medal?

General Douglas MacArthur was the very first person to receive this new medal in 1932. He was given the award for his extreme bravery while serving during World War I. His honor helped set the high standard for the courage that this medal represents today.

Why is it called the Silver Star if the medal looks gold?

The medal is actually made of bronze and given a gold-colored finish. The name comes from the small silver star placed right in the center of the award. This design was chosen to honor the original Citation Star that started in 1918.

What did this award replace?

It replaced a tiny decoration known as the Citation Star. That small star was worn on campaign ribbons to show bravery during World War I. In 1932, the military decided to upgrade that small star into this larger, full-sized medal to better honor heroic acts on the battlefield.

Can an Air Force pilot earn this medal?

Yes, any person serving in the U.S. military can earn this award. It does not matter if they are in the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard. Because it is given for gallantry in battle, it is open to every service member who fights for the country.

Does non-combat heroism qualify?

No, this medal is only for acts of bravery during active fighting against an enemy. A person must show great courage while facing danger in a war zone to be considered. Helping others in everyday situations or non-combat training does not count for this specific medal.

Who received the very first modern medal?

General Douglas MacArthur was the very first person to receive this new medal in 1932. He was given the award for his extreme bravery while serving during World War I. His honor helped set the high standard for the courage that this medal represents today.

Home Library WorldwideSilver Star Medal

Valor decoration

Silver Star Medal

A prestigious combat decoration awarded to any American service member for gallantry in action against an enemy.

Worldwide Established 1932 All servicesPrecedence: 8th, after Distinguished Service Medals

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.

Eligibility

Any service member serving in any capacity with the armed forces during combat.

Branch

All services

Precedence

8th, after Distinguished Service Medals

Silver Star Medal, Valor decoration, Worldwide medal

History

This award evolved from a small silver Citation Star authorized by Congress in 1918 to be worn on campaign ribbons. In 1932, the military redesigned it into a standalone full-sized medal to mark the anniversary of George Washington's birth.

General Douglas MacArthur received the very first newly designed medal for his gallantry during the First World War. It quickly became the third-highest award specifically for combat valor across all armed services.

Unlike branch-specific crosses, any branch of the military can award this medal to its service members or foreign allies. It has remained a vital honor through all major American wars of the modern era.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War I World War II Korean War Vietnam War Gulf War War in AfghanistanIraq War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Vietnam

Silver Star Medal Vietnam Service Medal World War II Victory Medal

Colin Powell

Who Was Colin Powell?

A decorated soldier who rose to become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Worldwide1968-11-16

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Sources

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