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The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be
awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for
valor in the face of the enemy.
The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the
United States not justifying one of the two higher awards – the service
crosses (Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Air Force
Cross), the second-highest military decoration, or the Medal of Honor, the
highest decoration. The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while
serving in any capacity with the armed forces, distinguishes himself or
herself by extraordinary heroism involving one of the following actions:
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In action against an enemy of the United States
·
While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an
opposing foreign force
·
While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict
against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a
belligerent party
The Silver Star differs from the service crosses in that it requires a
lesser degree of gallantry and need not be earned while in a position of
great responsibility.
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