How do I find out if my father-in-law had a bronze star? He passed away a couple of years ago and was in the battle of the bulge. We had asked to see his medals, my husband's older brother has them, and he has a purple heart and bronze battle star on theatre ribbon. On his headstone it says purple heart and bronze star. It is little confusing as I think some siblings thought the battle star is the same thing as a bronze star. My husband has indicated they are quite different. It does not mean that he does not have a bronze star, but know we all want to know for sure. Thanks so much.
I'm pretty sure everyone in the US Army that fought in Europe was awarded the Bronze star for that campaign. It's mentioned several times on various posts on this board. I think the award was in 46. I'm sure someone with more definitive info will post it soon. *** edit for *** There are directions here for getting his personnel records. That would include any additional wards I believe. This thread may help: http://www.ww2f.com/threads/requesting-copies-of-military-personnel-records.13543/
The above info is confused.A bronze campaign star is awarded for being in a defined battle area on certain dates. The Bronze Star medal is awarded for valor or outstanding service. There was a conversion Bronze Star medal for those in the infantry that were awarded a Combat Infantry Badge or the Combat Medic Badge,would receive a Bronze Star Medal.( The CIB was also awarded to other MOS' if involved in direct contact with the enemy.This was later tightened to only the infantry,bringing about the Combat Action Badge.) Hope this helps.If he was awarded a CIB he would be eligible for the BSM. He may also have been awarded a BSM for his actions.His Discharge would have this info. Bob
Now I am a bit confused. I thought there were two bronze stars. One for valor that had a "V" on it and one for meritious service. Chibobber clearly knows more than I .. I hope he can get me better informed on this.. I suspect my view is too simplistic.
Bob is right. The Bronze Star was awarded after the war by General Marshall to infantrymen who were given the CIB or Combat Medic Badge. They were deemed to be "in close contact with the enemy".
A Bronze Star may be awarded for Merit or for Valor. If the latter, the award is distinguished by a "V" device attached to the suspension ribbon and ribbon bar.
Not to be confused with the bronze star/s on campaign ribbons.... For battles and or service, like pictured at the bottom of LRusso's post.
If he was awarded a CIB, the Bronze Star Medal may not show up on his discharge papers. Many soldiers were already discharged when the decision was made to award a BSM to anyone who had a CIB or CMB. However, the CIB/CMB would appear on the discharge thus indicating he would have received the Bronze Star Medal via the conversion.
