Silver Star Medal | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Type | Personal Valor Decoration |
Awarded for | Gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States |
Presented by | |
Eligibility | United States Armed Forces personnel, foreign allied personnel and civilians serving alongside U.S. military personnel in combat |
Status | Currently awarded |
Established |
|
First awarded | August 1932 (WWI Army Silver Star conversion) |
![]() | |
Precedence | |
Next (higher) | Army: Distinguished Service Medal (Army) Naval Service: Navy Distinguished Service Medal Air and Space Forces: Distinguished Service Medal (Air and Space Forces) Coast Guard: Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal |
Next (lower) | Defense Superior Service Medal |
The Silver Star Medal (SSM) is the United States Armed Forces' third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. The Silver Star Medal is awarded primarily to members of the United States Armed Forces for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.