The Bronze Star: “awarded to members of all branches of
military service and may be awarded either for combat heroism or for
meritorious service.” This is the fourth highest military award for heroism,
courage, or meritorious service. If the award is received because of Valor, a
bronze “V” device is worn on the ribbon of the Bronze Star Medal to distinguish
the reason behind the award from meritorious action. There are several
attachments to the Bronze Star Medal. “For additional awards, every next decoration
was to be shown by a Bronze Oak leaf Cluster (US Army and Air Force) or a Golden
Star (US Navy, Marines and Coast Guard). At every fifth award, the Bronze and Golden
were replaced by a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster or Silver Star.” Originally, Colonel Russell P. Reeder came up
with the idea in 1943 that a ground version of the Air Medal be created for
Captains of a Battery of Company to award the personnel for those who served
under them. He believed that this award would help to boost the morale among the
troops, as the Air Medal had done for Airmen.
General George C. Marshall wrote a memorandum to President Roosevelt on
3 February 1944 stating that “the fact that the ground troops, Infantry in
particular, lead miserable lives of extreme discomfort and are the ones who
must close in personal combat with the enemy, makes the maintenance of their
morale of great importance. The award of the Air Medal has had an adverse
reaction on the ground troops, particularly the Infantry Riflemen who are now
suffering the heaviest losses, air or ground, in the Army, and enduring the
greatest hardships.” The next day, 4 February 1944, President Franklin Delano
Roosevelt authorized the Bronze Star by Executive Order 9419. On 24 August
1962, President John F. Kennedy amended this Executive Order (per Executive
order 11046) to include “individuals serving with friendly military forces”. I
am proud to say that while serving in the 92nd Signal Corps under
the 92nd Infantry Division in World War II, my grandfather, my Papa Ghyll, received
two Bronze Stars.
Information gathered from:
I love that you have replicas of his medals on a display. A great tribute to no-doubt a great man.
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