Material: Silk ribbon mounted on metal backing
Size: 30mm w x 10mm h
Circa: 1944 – present
Description: The ribbon consists of a red field with a central blue stripe, thin white stripes flanking the blue stripe, with narrow white edge stripes. This color pattern reflects traditional U.S. military heraldic colors used on several decorations.
Notes:
The Bronze Star Medal was established in 1944 by Franklin D. Roosevelt. It is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for heroic achievement, heroic service, or meritorious service in a combat zone not involving aerial flight. The Bronze Star Medal became one of the most widely awarded U.S. decorations during World War II, Korean War, and also the Vietnam War. It remains in active use today. The Bronze Star was partly created to recognize the same kind of ground combat service that aircrew received recognition for through medals like the Air Medal. U.S. commanders wanted a comparable decoration for soldiers fighting on the ground. Additional devices may be attached to the ribbon to indicate specific distinctions: a “V” device denotes valor in combat, oak leaf clusters indicate additional awards, and star devices were used by the Navy and Marine Corps for multiple awards. This is a plain ribbon bar without devices, representing a single award.