How much is a Bronze Star worth?

An original Bronze Star Medal from World War II was recently sold at auction for $575. However, it is illegal to buy, sell or manufacture military medals under U.S. law, so that market value is just a point of reference. The Bronze Star‘s true worth lies in symbolizing courage under fire and heroic sacrifice – honors no price can encapsulate.

Origins of the Revered Bronze Star Medal

Created on February 4, 1944 under Executive Order 9419 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Bronze Star Medal recognizes members of the U.S. Armed Forces for heroic or meritorious achievement and service in battle against an armed enemy.

In appearance, the medal is a bronze star 1.5 inches in diameter centered within a circular wreath. A smaller 3/16 inch star hangs from its rectangular ribbon of stripes in dark blue, light blue, and red (matching the colors of the U.S. flag). These visual elements symbolize how patriotic valor shines like a star.

Over 1.3 million Bronze Star Medals have been awarded since its inception. But only around 137,000, or roughly 1 in 40, have merited the distinguished "V" device denoting its award for combat valor.

Two Primary Versions of the Bronze Star

There are two primary types of Bronze Star medals awarded:

Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device: Awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service while engaged in direct combat against an armed enemy. This version recognizes extraordinary bravery and risk under fire.

Bronze Star Medal: Awarded for meritorious service or achievement in a combat zone that did not involve direct engagement with the enemy. The majority of issued Bronze Stars are of this type.

Number Awarded Through History

The Bronze Star has been conferred across many 20th and 21st century conflicts:

Why the Bronze Star Represents Priceless Distinction

The Bronze Star recognizes those who meet their enemy face-to-face under the constant threat of danger and death. Those awarded the Bronze Star exhibit exceptional fortitude, grit, and selflessness to achieve victory against imposing odds.

Consider some of the awe-inspiring acts that have earned Bronze Stars:

• Army medic Angelica Perez raced into live minefields not once but twice to rescue injured soldiers under heavy fire.
• Navy pilot Chesley Sullenberger displayed extraordinary skill guiding his disabled passenger jet to a safe landing in the "Miracle on the Hudson." All 155 people aboard survived.
• Army Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe pulled six soldiers from a burning vehicle during an ambush in Iraq while drenched in fuel, suffering fatal burns. His valor posthumously earned the Bronze Star.

Simply being nominated for a Bronze Star is an honor, as exhaustively documented acts of merit are weighed by awards councils before conferral. The extensive process ensures it is not handed out lightly.

Civilians Can Also Receive the Bronze Star

Very rarely, the Bronze Star has been awarded to civilians like war correspondents and contractors serving alongside the military in combat zones. To date only four civilians have earned the Bronze Star for valor. This includes journalist Joe Galloway, who exhibited repeated bravery and composure under fire while covering the Vietnam War.

How the Bronze Star Stacks Against Other Top Military Medals

The Bronze Star Medal ranks among the top third of military decorations in prestige, outranked only by a select few. Here is how it compares:

As the table shows, the Bronze Star ranks below the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart in prestige. The valor version is considered comparable to the Silver Star in recognizing combat bravery.

Recording Bronze Stars: Military Records and Decorations

All conferred Bronze Stars are recorded in a service member‘s official military records and on discharge papers like the DD Form 214. Those awarded the "V" device version for valor will have this denoted.

On military uniforms, the Bronze Star is proudly displayed according to a specific order of precedence. The medal is positioned after the Purple Heart and before the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Personnel who earn multiple Bronze Star honors affix service stars to the ribbon for each one.

The Bronze Star‘s Enduring Value: Honoring America‘s Heroes

While an original Bronze Star may trade hands for a few hundred dollars, its real value is priceless. The medal immortalizes those who served with utmost bravery and sacrifice when America needed them most. It represents our eternal gratitude to the heroes who risked all for their fellow servicemembers and nation. And that is worth more than any monetary figure could ever convey.