Bronze Service Star
The Bronze Service Star, often called a campaign star, is a small bronze device worn on certain U.S. military ribbons and medals to represent participation in designated military campaigns or operations. It should not be confused with the Bronze Star Medal, which is a separate decoration awarded for heroism or meritorious service.
Campaign stars provide a quick visual indication of how many qualifying campaigns a service member participated in while earning a campaign medal.
What Is a Bronze Service Star?
A Bronze Service Star is a 3/16-inch bronze star attached to the suspension ribbon and service ribbon of specific military medals. Each bronze star represents participation in one designated campaign, battle, or operation.
Rather than issuing multiple campaign medals, the military adds bronze stars to a single medal to show additional qualifying campaigns.
What Does It Represent?
One Bronze Service Star equals:
- One designated campaign
- One qualifying military operation
- One officially recognized campaign phase
Multiple bronze stars indicate participation in multiple campaigns.
Medals That Use Bronze Service Stars
Common examples include:
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Southwest Asia Service Medal
- Kosovo Campaign Medal
- European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
- Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Bronze vs. Silver Service Star
When a service member earns five campaign stars, they are replaced with one Silver Service Star.
| Device | Represents |
|---|---|
| Bronze Service Star | One campaign |
| Silver Service Star | Five campaigns |
Bronze Service Star vs. Bronze Star Medal
These awards are often confused.
Bronze Service Star
- Small ribbon device
- Indicates campaign participation
- Worn on campaign medals
Bronze Star Medal
- Individual military decoration
- Awarded for heroism or meritorious service
- Separate medal entirely
How It Is Worn
The Bronze Service Star is centered on the ribbon. When multiple stars are worn, they follow military uniform regulations regarding placement and spacing.
Common Misconceptions
Many people incorrectly assume every bronze star on a ribbon represents valor. In reality, campaign stars simply indicate participation in designated campaigns unless referring specifically to the Bronze Star Medal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does one Bronze Service Star mean?
It represents participation in one designated military campaign.
Is it the same as the Bronze Star Medal?
No. They are completely different awards.
Can multiple Bronze Service Stars be worn?
Yes. Five bronze stars are replaced by one Silver Service Star.