What would someone have to do to be awarded a bronze star?

The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded by the Secretary of a military department or the Secretary of Homeland Security with regard to the Coast Guard when not operating as a service in the Navy, or by such military commanders, or other appropriate officers as the Secretary concerned may designate, to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard of the United States, after 6 December 1941, distinguishes, or has distinguished, herself or himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight—

(a) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
(b) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(c) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

Paging TigerDave

quote:

---

The US Army issued an astonishing 681 Bronze Stars for the invasion of Grenada in 1983. In perspective, during the entire operation, a mere 19 American soldiers were killed, and 116 wounded.

---

Everyone got a trophy in Grenada.

LINK

quote:

---

What would someone have to do to be awarded a bronze star

---

Nothing, really, if it doesn't have a "V" device.

If it doesn't have a V all he did was show up

Google him, this is what it takes to get a Silver Star: LINK

quote:

---

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Robb T. McDonald, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Executive Officer, Marine Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMA-211), Third Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On the night of 14 September 2012 heavily armed enemy fighters infiltrated the Camp Bastion airfield, destroying coalition aircraft and attacking the squadron operations area. Major McDonald and two other officers, armed only with pistols, immediately left the security of the billeting area, and maneuvered on foot more than a mile through an area dangerously exposed to both enemy fire and possible friendly fire. When he reached the squadron maintenance building and learned that his Commanding Officer had been mortally wounded, Major McDonald assumed command and began directing the tactical situation. Realizing the aluminum skinned building was indefensible, he fearlessly exposed himself by leading multiple groups of his Marines across 75 meters of open ground to get them to the more protected squadron headquarters. Leading a small team out to reconnoiter the flight line, he killed one enemy with a rifle he had borrowed, and then expertly coordinated two helicopter strikes to destroy all remaining enemy. Major McDonald's decisive leadership and tactical expertise inspired his Marines to vigorously repel the enemy, thereby preventing additional friendly casualties and further destruction of aircraft and facilities. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Major McDonald reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

---

Well, I have a close relative who received the silver star. He doesn't speak much about it, but there is an article telling about how he flanked enemy soldiers in Afghanistan and provided support and covering fire for his fellow soldiers.

LINK

Hope this helps

What does it take? A good senior nco or company/field grade officer/bc who can then have a good brigade commander or higher to approve it. Now imo too many of my battalions e6's and higher received bronze stars without having too go outside the fob a lot whereas the junior enlisted such as myself received arcoms. In others words it doesn't take an act of valor, a lot of leadership receives them during deployment. And I don't think I did anything to deserve a bronze star. I was just ready to save another's life in combat in case that happened.

Live with my wife as long as I have.

You can literally get it for anything. And more often than not, admin personnel will get it instead of guy doing the fighting.

Not sure if true, but I did once hear about an army unit that sent all of their administration personnel home from the Middle East home with bronze stars