The Bronze Star is a
medal of the
United States Armed Forces, created in
1944 during the height of
World War II. The official definition: "The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the
Army of the United States after
December 6, 1941, distinguished 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
belligerent party. Awards may be made for
acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the
Silver Star."
A person can only receive one Bronze Star: if they go on to perform another Bronze Star-worthy act, they can receive a cluster to go with the medal. Many servicemen are awarded the Bronze Star posthumously.