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Dave: Please allow me to clarify a common misunderstanding. The Bronze Star is ONLY authorized for combat actions, either for valor or meritorious service. The Combat Infantry Badge (CIB), Purple Heart PH), Combat Medic Badge (CMB), and the new Combat Action Badge (CAB) verify combat for Soldiers because they, too, are awarded only for combay actions. Those who receive either CIB, CMB, CAB, or PH are eligible for the Bronze Star. Most World War II veterans who applied for the BS later were awared based on the award of CIB, CMB, or PH. Now, this is not to say, that all recepients of the BS were awarded in this manner, it only is to say that these personnel are ELIGIBLE. Many BS were awarded for valor (with a V device for Army/Air) or for combat actions (Navy/USMC) as well as meritorious service. The BS I am referencing based solely on the award of CIB, CMB, or PH are for meritorious service. Unfortunately, many Soldiers and Airmen who would have been eligible for the BS never requested them. Also. many awards never caught up with recepients as well. There would be a citation that would accompany the award.