E.Marquez wrote:Purplehood wrote:I may be incorrect, but as I understand it the Bronze Star with 'V' for valor is awarded for praiseworthy conduct in battle.
The Bronze Star without it is for praiseworthy conduct not in battle but in a combat zone.
AR 600–8–22
3–14. Bronze Star Medal
a. The Bronze Star Medal was established by Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (superseded by Executive
Order 11046, 24 August 1962, as amended by Executive Order 13286, 28 February 2003).
b. 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 6 December 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. Title 10, United States Code, section 1133, (10 USC 1133) limits award of the Bronze Star Medal to
service members receiving imminent danger pay.
c. 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.
d. The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded for meritorious achievement or meritorious service according to the
following:
(1) Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service. The lesser degree than that
required for the award of the Legion of Merit must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with
distinction.
And then if recommended for the award for valor, vice meritorious service
Narrative description of meritorious service or achievement for awards of the MSM, ARCOM, and AAM will be
limited to bullet format in the space allowed on the DA Form 638. Narratives are required for all other awards and will
be added as an addendum to the recommendation. Narrative should be prepared on 8 1/2 by 11-inch bond paper and is
limited to one double spaced typewritten page except for recommendations of the Distinguished Service Medal and
above. Narratives for valor must contain a description of the following elements: terrain and weather of the area in
which the action took place; enemy conditions, to include morale, proximity, firepower, casualties and situation prior
to, during and after the act; the effect of the act on the enemy; the action of comrades in the immediate vicinity of the
act and the degree of their participation in the act; if the act occurred in aerial flight, the type and position of the
aircraft and the individual’s crew position; the degree to which the act was voluntary; the degree to which the act was
outstanding and exceeded what was normally expected of the individual; all unusual circumstances; and overall effects
or results of the act.
s. Heroism award recommendations will contain statements of eyewitnesses, preferably in the form of certificates,
affidavits, or sworn statements; extracts from official records; sketches; maps; diagrams; photographs; and so forth,
which support and amplify stated facts for the heroism award.