Silver Star

 

Authorized on July 9, 1918 as the "Citation Star" of the U.S. Army, it was re-designated as a medal on August 8, 1932. The star is awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity, distinguished themselves by gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States, or while serving with friendly forces against an opposing armed enemy force. When the medal was created in 1932 it was made retroactive, so that those cited for gallantry as far back as the Spanish-American War of 1898 were eligible to receive the Silver Star. It is awarded for combat action only, and ranks as the third highest valor decoration of the United States.