1. Basic Eligibility
a. Heroic or meritorious achievement or service (not involving aerial flight) in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States. Although service in close proximity to direct combat actions on the ground qualifies, heroic or meritorious achievement in connection with operations against an armed enemy not qualifying under AR 600-8-22, paragraph 1-24a or b requires the personal accomplishment of one of the criteria as set forth in paragraph 1-19c(1) through c(11) or c(13).
b. Meritorious achievement or meritorious service in connection with military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or performance of meritorious service, in other than combat operations including military operations against an opposing armed force which do not involve conflict, or in connection with the prevention of armed hostility.
c. Meritorious achievement or service for which the Air Medal is not appropriate.
2. Criteria for Award of the Bronze Star Medal
a. An act or acts of heroism, involving voluntary risk of life or limb beyond the call of duty, resulting in an accomplishment of such exceptional merit and importance as to clearly distinguish the individual from comrades engaged in similar situations. (See paragraph 1-19c(2) for award criteria for extraordinary aerial achievement involving risk of life.)
b. An exceptionally meritorious achievement or service, the successful performance of which has clearly demonstrated exceptional professional skill, leadership, and devotion to duty. The degree of skill, resourcefulness, and initiative displayed in the performance of such assignments must far surpass that normally expected of personnel in like circumstances within the grade and experience levels of those being considered for the award of the Bronze Star Medal.
c. Meritorious achievement or meritorious service consisting of a series of acts or deeds demonstrating exceptional skill, resourcefulness, and leadership under extremely difficult or hazardous conditions or otherwise setting apart the individual in a highly competitive field of endeavor.
d. Meritorious achievement or meritorious service consisting of sustained distinctive performance over an extended period of time (minimum of 6 months), involving important responsibilities and personal effort contributing significantly to the success of the mission or to accomplishment of the unit’s/activity’s mission or objectives.
e. Recognition of single acts of unusual merit and courage and extraordinary sacrifices and exposures to personal hazards and risks when the contributions made substantially surpass the standard normally considered commensurate with the performance of assigned military duties and responsibilities.
f. Recognition of outstanding achievements when the degree of skill, resourcefulness, and initiative clearly reflects performance substantially exceeding the standard normally considered commensurate with the level of expertise and experience normally associated with the individual’s grade and position.
Websites that deal with battle stars and other World War 2 citations:
- American Battle Monuments Commission: http://www.abmc.gov/
- National Archives and Records Administration: http://www.archives.gov/
- Library of Congress: http://www.loc.gov/
- United States Army Center of Military History: http://www.history.army.mil/
- National Museum of the United States Air Force: http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/