34
34
0
The devaluation of the Bronze Star
When I was a young Soldier and heard that someone had a Bronze star, I was in awe because I knew that it took something great to have been awarded THAT medal... Fast forward... Now, anyone who successfully deploys and doesn't step on the wrong toes is GIVEN one. Usually it's in the buddy buddy realm of SFC and above. Of course AR 600-8-22 states that rank doesn't matter when being awarded a medal, but why is it that IT DOES. More often than not, acts performed in combat are awarded with ARCOM's, COA's, coins, hand shakes, high or low-fives based on their rank. I myself am happy to say I have not been GIVEN one. I cannot comprehend how people are proud to have one for successfully in-haling and exhaling air in another country for a certain amount of time then go get license plates and stickers etc. Those before us actually performed acts that EARNED them the medal and recognition. I think it devalues the award for those who have earned it in the past. What are your opinions and / or experiences with this? <br>
When I was a young Soldier and heard that someone had a Bronze star, I was in awe because I knew that it took something great to have been awarded THAT medal... Fast forward... Now, anyone who successfully deploys and doesn't step on the wrong toes is GIVEN one. Usually it's in the buddy buddy realm of SFC and above. Of course AR 600-8-22 states that rank doesn't matter when being awarded a medal, but why is it that IT DOES. More often than not, acts performed in combat are awarded with ARCOM's, COA's, coins, hand shakes, high or low-fives based on their rank. I myself am happy to say I have not been GIVEN one. I cannot comprehend how people are proud to have one for successfully in-haling and exhaling air in another country for a certain amount of time then go get license plates and stickers etc. Those before us actually performed acts that EARNED them the medal and recognition. I think it devalues the award for those who have earned it in the past. What are your opinions and / or experiences with this? <br>
Posted in these groups: 
Awards
Deployment
Awards Deployment
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 71
24
24
0
I know a CW3 who fought tooth and nail to get his SFC in his shop a bronze star for our tour in Afghanistan. He even got a MSG and a few MAJs involved to back him up when he went to the brigade commander over it. <div>Why? Because this SFC deserved a bronze star but had his award downgraded to an ARCOM because he wasn't the shop NCOIC. </div><div>That taught me 1. A damn good leader will fight for what's right regardless of the politics involved and 2. The award system is so jacked up. </div>
(24)
(0)
SSG V. Michelle Woods
Yeah but she had the best dang mentor/battle buddy/big annoying brother in the world by her side so she left that deployment with more important things :)
(0)
(0)
SSG Robert Gutch
I WAS AWARDED A BRONZE STAR IN IRAQ . I DIDNT EVEN KNOW I WAS PUT IN FOR IT. WHY DOES IT LOOK SO DAM BIG AND IS A PALM TREE WITH NO BRONZE STAR ON THIS MEDAL AT ALL ?
(1)
(0)
COL Randall C.
SSG Robert Gutch, based on your profile and your comment, are you sure you're not referring to the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)? The Bronze Star medal absolutely has a bronze star on it :)
(5)
(0)
SGT Thomas Bentley
I have read too many stories of S shop officers getting the Bronze star with Valor while deployed with their unit and never ever left the wire except of vacation or to go home. While many acts of heroism were being performed by the body and soul of the unit they were lucky to get ARCOM no Valor or AAM no Valor.
I had an NCO put me in for an ARCOM when I was finally leaving my duty station after 5 years for another. Simply put my platoon SGT told my Squad leader to remove bullets because their was NO way that outspoken asshole is going to get an ARCOM on his watch. An illegal act if you read the AR pertaining to Awards and Citations the mistake made by my squad leader was not taking straight to S-1.
I had an NCO put me in for an ARCOM when I was finally leaving my duty station after 5 years for another. Simply put my platoon SGT told my Squad leader to remove bullets because their was NO way that outspoken asshole is going to get an ARCOM on his watch. An illegal act if you read the AR pertaining to Awards and Citations the mistake made by my squad leader was not taking straight to S-1.
(0)
(0)
I think there is a lot of confusion about the BSM. The BSM was intended to be a SERVICE AWARD. In WWII it was to improve the morale of those fighting on the ground, the Infantry. It was created after the Air medal in order to improve morale of those on the ground. The original name was to be the "Ground Medal" but it didn't take. Of which I am glad.
It was meant for those on the ground for service in such conditions. It was awarded to ALL infantrymen and medics with a combat award such as a CIB or CFMB. So even privates got the BSM if they got a CIB. As I stated it was a service award.
Over time the Award has changed to imply a single act of Valor and the "V" device came into play as for acts that did not merit a Silver Star.
The award is for a position when used as a service award. For those that deal of a burden of leadership. Usually officers and senior enlisted warrant this due to the fact that they have a higher expectation of service by being in leadership. But some commands blanket it for all officers. If you are an officer not in a leadership role you shouldn't get it technically but their command just blankets it because they can.
Soldiers believe that it is only for valor but it is not. It is basically a higher level version of a ARCOM and should be viewed that way. Should a Company Commander get the same service Award as an SPC during a deployment? No, they shouldn't. Should he warrant an MSM? Probably not. There is a great lack of understanding of the history of the BSM and what it was used for.
The question that I pose to those out there would you view the ARCOM with a "V" device the same as just an ARCOM? I hope not. But that is what occurring with those with the BSM and the BSM with a "V" device.
It was meant for those on the ground for service in such conditions. It was awarded to ALL infantrymen and medics with a combat award such as a CIB or CFMB. So even privates got the BSM if they got a CIB. As I stated it was a service award.
Over time the Award has changed to imply a single act of Valor and the "V" device came into play as for acts that did not merit a Silver Star.
The award is for a position when used as a service award. For those that deal of a burden of leadership. Usually officers and senior enlisted warrant this due to the fact that they have a higher expectation of service by being in leadership. But some commands blanket it for all officers. If you are an officer not in a leadership role you shouldn't get it technically but their command just blankets it because they can.
Soldiers believe that it is only for valor but it is not. It is basically a higher level version of a ARCOM and should be viewed that way. Should a Company Commander get the same service Award as an SPC during a deployment? No, they shouldn't. Should he warrant an MSM? Probably not. There is a great lack of understanding of the history of the BSM and what it was used for.
The question that I pose to those out there would you view the ARCOM with a "V" device the same as just an ARCOM? I hope not. But that is what occurring with those with the BSM and the BSM with a "V" device.
(14)
(0)
LTC (Join to see)
Yo need to clarify. It is not a service medal. It is a personal award for meritorious service or achievements in actions against armed enemies; service medals are those that are given for service, like the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terror Service Medal. BSMs had their purpose until a few years back, where approving authorities questioned authorizing BSMs to soldiers who did not have an impact in their unit against the enemy; upon this a new MILPER came out authorizing the MSM for achievement or service in a combat zone, but for those who never were actually in a combat zone. That is why you may see supply or admin personnel get awarded MSMs instead of BSMs while in theater. The "V" device will account for the difference between valor or service. One more thing, the basic problem with the approval of BSMs is most likely the fault of the recommender, who don't know how to document or express meritorious achievements sufficient for the BSM. Remember, Doing your job does not entitle you to an award, neither warrant a BSM.
(0)
(0)
(0)
(0)
LTC (Join to see)
LT, that is exactly it. You can get the BSM for valor (V) or for meritorious service in "connection with military operations against an armed enemy (AR 600-8-22 para 3-14(b) RAR 15 Sep 2011) different from a "service award". Now you can also get a MSM (non-combat award) down range if your Command decides your duties and achievements were not in "connection with military operations against an armed enemy, supra, even when serving in an area receiving imminent danger pay. Like people who served in Kuwait until a few years back, and never left Camp Arifjan or Camp Buhering.
(1)
(0)
SGT Jason Mouret
If you wear a BSM without a V did you really earn it? Just saying. I received 2 PH and had Valor paperwork thrown in the trash because my platoon sergeant wouldn't have anyone receive anything higher than him.
(0)
(0)
12
11
1
SFC John Hill
LTC Paul Labrador - MSM is awarded for meritorious service or achievement while serving in a noncombat area.
(0)
(0)
LTC Paul Labrador
SFC John Hill - Not anymore. They changed the rules back in '09 to allow for MSMs to be awarded in combat areas. That's why I got an MSM my second tour in Iraq vs a BSM.
(0)
(0)
SFC John Hill
LTC Paul Labrador - Thanks, that was a change I did not know of. Probably, most people were not aware of the "exception to policy" that allowed for that either.
(0)
(0)
SSG Mark Matteson
Over rated and meaningless to most. Participation Awards at best for the Senior Ranking and anyone in an award happy company where self recognition and self importance is vital to their survival as human beings. I salute my fellow soldiers who busted their asses and walked away with their heads held up straight and their souls intact.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google