The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to individuals who, while serving in the United States Armed Forces in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight.
From time to time, we all need a little assistance in articulating the accomplishments of our Soldiers. Today’s post contains my 5 Sample Bronze Star Medal Citations. Feel free to use any of these citations as a starting point for writing your own Bronze Star citations.
-For exceptionally meritorious service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lieutenant Walter’s outstanding dedication to duty during combat operations in Iraq as Bravo Company XO and Transition Team Staff and Maneuver Adviser contributed to the overwhelming success of the Command’s mission. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the 2nd Battalion 112th Infantry, the PAANG and the United States Army.
-For meritorious achievement during ground operations against hostile forces in Iraq from 22 July 2009 to 16 August 2009. SSG Matthews, at great risk to his life, crossed open terrain which was under heavy fire and led friendly forces back to a point of relief for his Platoon. By his courageous actions, SSG Matthews saved the lives of many of his Soldiers. SSG Matthews actions reflect distinct credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
-For exceptionally meritorious achievement and heroic actions under hostile fire while actively engaging Anti-Iraqi forces in combat. SPC Hunter displayed selfless service, absolute courage and extreme valor as a Soldier committed to stabilizing and securing Iraq for its people. SPC Hunter’s actions bring great credit upon him, the 56th SBCT and the United States Army.
-For exceptionally meritorious service during Operation Enduring Freedom. CPT Harris’s outstanding dedication to duty during combat operations in Afghanistan contributed to the overwhelming success of the ISAF mission. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the ISAF forces, his unit and the United States Army.
-For exceptionally meritorious service while assigned as the Brigade S3 during operations in Kosovo. Major Connor’s outstanding performance, expertise and contributions were instrumental to the Brigade’s overall success during sustainment operations. His actions reflect distinct credit upon him, the 55th HBCT and the United States Army.
Bonus Citation
– For exceptionally meritorious achievement while assigned as the Battalion S4 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. First Lieutenant Holmes’ work ethic and technical expertise were instrumental to the battalion’s successful combat support and stability operations. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon him, the 4th Infantry Division and the United States Army.
About the Bronze Star
What I wanted to take is take a brief moment to educate you about the Bronze Star Medal. Here are a few quick facts about it:
- It was established in February 1944
- It can be awarded for heroism, acts of merit, or meritorious service in a combat zone
- When you receive the award for heroism, it comes with a V device (for valor)
- It was proposed by Colonel Russell Reeder in 1943
- COL Reeder claimed that combat troops needed an award similiar to the Air Medal that pilots received, in order to improve morale
- The medal was designed by Rudolph Freund
- The Soldiers’ Medal is the next higher award and the Purple Heart is the next lower award
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Bronze Star is an important award for recognizing meritorious service and acts of meritorious service for Soldiers deployed in a combat zone. It is a coveted award normally reserved for officers and senior NCOs, but can be awarded to lower ranking Soldiers, too. If you have a good Bronze Star Citation that you would like to share with the rest of our community, just leave a comment below to do so.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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I have to agree with some of the other comments that the recipient choice for awards needs to be more consistent. However, I also believe that the true meaning of medals such as the Bronze Star needs to be made very clear. The Bronze Star, itself, has a glorious history and tradition, but in many cases today, it seems more like a participation award rather than a recognition of actual valor.
The Bronze Star is a service award and an award for valor.
i have noticed that both you Justin and Chuck have great writing skills. It would do leaders a good service to know how to write these citations. In many cases, awards may not be given because of terribly written citations.
Just a suggestion, but I think that maybe you two should get together and write an eBook on properly writing citations. Just a thought. I know there are other books on it, but from what I have seen, you both have a great handle on it.
That might just be a very good idea, Greg.
I don’t believe an award such as the Bronze Star Medal should be reserved for certain ranks. It isn’t the Bronze ‘OFFICER Star Medal or Bronze ‘SENIOR NCO’ Star Medal! It is dedicated to heroes serving in the Armed Forces, which means ALL who meet the qualifications are eligible. To show favoritism to a particular rank or position is a slap in the face to those soldiers who are in the trenches risking their lives and going above and beyond in their duty who deserve a chance to be recognized for it!
As Candace pointed out here, I believe the Army, as well as the other armed forces do need to take a hard look at the system they use in determining awards they give out. There are many who have deserved these and didn’t receive them and others who really didn’t deserve them but had them pinned on them.
No matter what, life isn’t fair, but I believe our military does need to try and make these accomplishments and awards a more fair system. I believe there needs to be only certain individuals who ok the awards. By doing so, I think the system will become more consistent.
Just my thoughts…What are yours?
I think there’s been a real problem with the mentality of ‘only certain ranks get a BSM’ as well as other coveted awards. My husband has an ARCOM w/V device because when he earned it in 04, he was barely a CPL, and ‘they can’t get a bronze star’. That is not the only example I know of just like his situation, and I think it’s unfortunate for all of them. Even just look at how terrible they’ve been at catching up on awarding the MOH for the battle that happened at COP Keating several years ago. It is nice to finally see the Soldiers getting awards that they deserve and earned.