Question about Bronze Star

[stevie_d_64]

The reason I asked is that I was recently informed of the death of my cousin William "Bill" Swartz. We grew up like brothers but after we both served in the military (him Army, me Navy) we sort of went our own ways. He moved to Tennessee, I moved to Texas.

He served in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. He never told me what he received it for. I am still having trouble getting over his passing.

A Next of Kin,

Surviving spouse that has not remarried
Father
Mother
Son
Daughter
Sister
Brother

can request the record of that award (Orders). The orders will have a narrative of the action for which it was awarded. This process is free, and I have used it. Go to:

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/milita ... e-records/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The next of kin should download the request form, and in the "Other" block write in the orders they are requesting. Web site has all instructions they need. Of course the next of kin can order all manner of records also.

Bingo!!! The accomodation/certificate that goes along with the award would describe the actions and reason for the decoration...Somebody in the family has to have it...

I know its hard to deal with his passing...But you are doing the right thing in remembering his service to this country, and taking note of this special part of his life...You ARE a great American!!!

[E.Marquez]

Bingo!!! The accomodation/certificate that goes along with the award would describe the actions and reason for the decoration...Somebody in the family has to have it...

I know its hard to deal with his passing...But you are doing the right thing in remembering his service to this country, and taking note of this special part of his life...You ARE a great American!!!

Just keep in mind the award form (DA638) and supporting documentation (sworn statements, duty logs, status reports, medical reports and logs, ect) is what has all of the background info and details reference the award reason.. the Certificate will have a narrative, but they are general in nature normally and provide little in the way of detail.

I wish the OP the best of luck in his quest, and if I can help with any specific questions.... PM me.

[G26ster]

Bingo!!! The accomodation/certificate that goes along with the award would describe the actions and reason for the decoration...Somebody in the family has to have it...

Unfortunately, at least in the Viet Nam era, the certificate that goes with the award did not have a narrative of the event. Only the General Order awarding a medal for valor had the "official" narrative. The service member was given several copies of the General Order, and various levels of command up to and including the Service Branch also were distributed multiple copies. A copy was also placed in the service member's personnel record. All eyewitness statements, or other documents relating to the award, etc. were attached to the General order at the major Command level or issuing level (i.e. for the Army, usually at Division level).

All previously issued General Orders, and associated statements, documents, etc., are stored at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in MD. Those witness statements and other supporting documents will not be in the Service Member's personnel record.

[Purplehood]

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.

Sergeant Major, can you summarize what you have provided above?
I ask this because I don't see any reference to when you do and when you don't get awarded a 'V' device. My boss was awarded the Bronze Star and I received an ARCOM. No 'V' device was authorized for my boss.
I presume (and we all love that word in the Military) that it was because the award was for Meritorious service not involving any action that would otherwise get you a Combat Action Badge (we obviously were not Infantry).

[E.Marquez]

You bet,
In short.
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, Bronze Star recommended for Heroism, Approved for both an award and V device by awards board=V device

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, Bronze Star recommended for Meritorious Service, approved an awards board = No V device

The CIB, CFMB and the CAB, and Distinguished Warfare Medal are an entirely different deal.... and likely a discussion Im not able to have without a serious amount of sarcasm, ridicule and disgust.

Erik

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.

Sergeant Major, can you summarize what you have provided above?
I ask this because I don't see any reference to when you do and when you don't get awarded a 'V' device. My boss was awarded the Bronze Star and I received an ARCOM. No 'V' device was authorized for my boss.
I presume (and we all love that word in the Military) that it was because the award was for Meritorious service not involving any action that would otherwise get you a Combat Action Badge (we obviously were not Infantry).

[Purplehood]

The CIB, CFMB and the CAB, and Distinguished Warfare Medal are an entirely different deal.... and likely a discussion Im not able to have without a serious amount of sarcasm, ridicule and disgust.

Erik

LOL, I had quite a few Snipers and such express that same sentiment to me...

[3dfxMM]

The CIB, CFMB and the CAB, and Distinguished Warfare Medal are an entirely different deal.... and likely a discussion Im not able to have without a serious amount of sarcasm, ridicule and disgust.

Erik

I have no problem with sarcasm, ridicule, and disgust as long as they're not directed at me. :)

From what you have said, I am pretty sure you and my son are on the same page.

[VoiceofReason]

Bill was built solid. He had a "washboard stomach" before he went into the Army from the hard manual work he did. He was on the M60 and said he hated slogging through rice paddies with it. He said "but the first fire fight we got into "I loved it like my mother".

As to the award, he said "I'm no hero". He said "we were getting cut up bad and I thought for sure I was going to die and decided to get it over with" he left it hanging there and by the look on his face I knew not to ask any more. When he got out he was divorced within a couple of months and lived on the street for a while. He got out patent treatment at the VA for PTSD and finally found a caring woman that understood. I believe he had three children and found happiness the last 20 years of his life.

I wish we could have been closer after the military but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. As I said, we grew up like brothers and that is the way I will remember him.

[G26ster]

Bill was built solid. He had a "washboard stomach" before he went into the Army from the hard manual work he did. He was on the M60 and said he hated slogging through rice paddies with it. He said "but the first fire fight we got into "I loved it like my mother".

As to the award, he said "I'm no hero". He said "we were getting cut up bad and I thought for sure I was going to die and decided to get it over with" he left it hanging there and by the look on his face I knew not to ask any more. When he got out he was divorced within a couple of months and lived on the street for a while. He got out patent treatment at the VA for PTSD and finally found a caring woman that understood. I believe he had three children and found happiness the last 20 years of his life.

I wish we could have been closer after the military but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. As I said, we grew up like brothers and that is the way I will remember him.

I think you're cousin gave you the overall jist of the action. It appears, based on the award, that he took action with his M60 to neutralize the enemy threat at great risk to himself, and the event was traumatic enough to not speak of it further. That said, I truly hope an immediate family member will request a copy of the orders from VetRecs, so you and your family will know the full story. I believe he deserves that.