Silver Star
Overview
The Silver Star is the third-highest military combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces. It is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.
History
The Silver Star was established by an Act of Congress on July 9, 1918. Originally, the decoration was for citations issued under authority of the commanding general of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. By an Act of Congress on August 7, 1942, the decoration was extended to the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. On December 15, 1942, the law was further amended to permit the award of the Silver Star to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army, distinguishes himself or herself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor or Distinguished Service Cross.
Criteria
The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for the Distinguished Service Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction.
Design
The Silver Star medal is a gold five-pointed star, 1 1/2 inches in circumscribing diameter with a laurel wreath encircling rays forming the center. A smaller, silver star is superimposed in the center. The pendant is suspended from a rectangular shaped metal loop with rounded corners. The reverse has the inscription "FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION." The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 7/32 inch Old Glory Red 67156; 9/64 inch White 67101; 7/32 inch Old Glory Red; 7/32 inch White; 7/32 inch Old Glory Red; 7/32 inch White; and 7/32 inch Old Glory Red.
Notable recipients
There have been numerous notable recipients of the Silver Star. These include Audie Murphy, one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II, and Senator Daniel Inouye, a World War II veteran who went on to serve in the U.S. Senate for over 50 years.