Silver Star Medal
The Silver Star Medal is one of the most respected military decorations in the United States, awarded for gallantry in action. Its origins date back to World War I, when Congress authorized the Citation Star on July 9, 1918. This small silver star, just three-sixteenths of an inch in diameter, was awarded for acts of heroism in combat. Recipients would attach it to the ribbon of their campaign medals. It was a modest yet meaningful recognition of courage on the battlefield.
Over time, the desire grew for a more visible and distinguished medal. This led to the transformation of the Citation Star into the Silver Star Medal in 1932. The transition was strongly supported by General Douglas MacArthur, who was also instrumental in reviving the Purple Heart around the same time. The design of the medal was created by Rudolf Freund of the firm Bailey, Banks & Biddle, a prestigious jeweler based in Philadelphia. The result was a gilt-bronze five-pointed star with a small silver star at the center, surrounded by a laurel wreath—symbolizing victory and honor.
The Silver Star Medal is the third-highest military combat decoration in the hierarchy of U.S. military honors, following the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross (or its equivalents in other branches, such as the Navy Cross and the Air Force Cross). It can be awarded to members of all branches of the armed forces, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force. In some cases, it may also be awarded to allied soldiers or civilians serving alongside American troops.
The criteria for earning the Silver Star involve gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States, during military operations involving conflict with opposing foreign forces, or while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict in which the U.S. is not a belligerent party. The acts of heroism must be of a lesser degree than that required for the Distinguished Service Cross, but still notable and commendable. Although primarily a wartime medal, the Silver Star can also be awarded during peacetime operations if the action meets the required level of gallantry.
It is difficult to determine the exact number of Silver Star Medals that have been awarded since its establishment. Estimates suggest that between 100,000 and 150,000 medals, including those retroactively converted from Citation Stars, have been presented to eligible individuals. During major conflicts such as World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and more recently in Iraq and Afghanistan, thousands of service members were recognized with this award. Despite this, the Silver Star remains relatively rare and highly respected, given only in cases of significant personal bravery.
The original medals were manufactured by Bailey, Banks & Biddle, the same firm responsible for designing it. Today, multiple government-contracted manufacturers produce the medal according to precise military specifications. The medal itself is not made of actual silver, despite the name. Instead, it is a bronze alloy with a gold-colored finish, incorporating a small silver star in the center. It hangs from a ribbon of blue, white, and red stripes—colors that reflect the American flag and the valor the medal represents.
From its humble beginning as a small star on a ribbon to its present form as a full-fledged decoration, the Silver Star Medal represents gallantry, sacrifice, and distinguished service in combat. Though many have earned it over the decades, each award is tied to a specific act of courage and leadership under fire, ensuring that the medal’s reputation for honor and valor remains unshaken.
