Media Type

Electronic Media

Physical Location

Cold Vault CS66.10N

Number of Media

1

Language(s)

English

Format

3.5" Floppy Disk

Digitized in HD?

No

General Note

SILVER STAR RECIPIENTS
POST - WORLD WAR II

US Air Force Historic Event Initiative

The Silver Star is the third highest combat decoration that can be bestowed upon USAF members. It is currently awarded by all branches of the armed forces to any person who, while serving in any capacity, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly forces against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The Silver Star originated with an Act of Congress on 9 July 1918 which authorized the wearing by Army personnel of a small silver star upon the service ribbon of a campaign medal, to indicate “gallantry in action” not warranting the award of a Medal of Honor or a Distinguished Service Cross. A similar device was authorized in 1920 for Navy and Marine personnel, to be worn on the ribbon of the Victory Medal. On 8 Aug 1932 the Silver Star was re-designated as a medal by an Act of Congress, and in August 1942 Congress further clarified it’s status by authorizing its award to any member of the Navy for acts not justifiying award of the Navy Cross. During World War II, members of the Army Air Corps were awarded 5,939 Silver Stars. During the Korean War a total of 304 were awarded to Air Force members, including seven to general officers. In Southeast Asia, 3,399 Silver Stars had been awarded to members of the Air Force by the end of 1970. The total number awarded during the war is unknown at this point. All names listed below are pilots / aircraft commanders unless otherwise noted. As of: 20 Sep 2001 / 3,222 lines