What could my son have done to earn a Bronze Star Medal in the war, he says that he can't tell me?

Answer 1

Something very heroic would be my opinion.
Many, many ex servicemen don't like to talk about their war experiences.
My father was the same, he served overseas but would not speak of it at all.

The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration which may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The medal is awarded to a member of the military who, while serving in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished him- or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or 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.
Read more at link below --

Answer 2

I'm going to say something that might sound kind of degrading. But when I was deployed (2005-2006)the Bronze Star was severely cheapened. Most E-6/ Staff Sergeants and above got the Bronze Star for simply being over there (for service). It was near impossible to get one with a valor device (for bravery). So just getting a Bronze Star really doesn't mean much in my eyes unless your son was directly involved in combat action and did some kind of heroic deed. I mean, we even had NCO's and Officers who never left the Base (FOB) on mission and worked in an office the whole time who were given the Bronze Star (for service). So yes, your son could tell you why he received it. If it was for service and not valor then there would be no reason why he couldn't talk about it. If he received it for valor in combat then the reason why he got the medal may involve classified info that he cannot divulge, or the incident that warranted him getting it may still be too painful to talk about. But other than that there would be no real reason why he couldn't. What MOS or job specialty is he? If he earned the CIB (Combat Infantry Badge) or CAB (Combat Action Badge- for non infantry soldiers involved in sustained combat) then the chance of him having earned a Bronze Star for valor would be plausible. But if he is a "softer" MOS like mechanic or administrative there is a higher chance it was for service. And no, I'm not trying to bash non combat MOS's. We're all part of the team and all just as valuable in getting the job done. I hope this clears some things up and helps. Either way, just be there for your son and when he's ready he'll open up about things. It can take some of us a while...

Answer 3

My uncle was just like that; he was awarded a Bronze Star with V Device while serving as a door gunner with the 101st AA. He never like to talk about how he got his medal, but my aunt told me that he got it for rescuing a wounded pilot from a crashed helicopter; he was also wounded in the process (shot in the leg).

He probably was awarded the medal for bravery under fire, probably in a dangerous situation and he probably doesn;t want to talk about it because if he does, he'll probably remember things he would rather forget.

Hope that helps.

PS Tell your son that he's a hero in my eyes regardless.

Answer 4

Erudite that's not true you have it back wards the ones that brag about are the ones to beware of. the ones that get that never want to talk about because they don't see them selfs as hero's most feel like other people should have got it. take my great uncle for example he got the flying cross and the bronze star in ww2 and my grandmother said his wife didn't even know about it till he passed away and his wife and my grand mother were cleaning out some of his stuff and there they were tucked away in a old shoe box under some old junk

Answer 5

I wouldn't push it. Most combat veterans have an aversion to reliving painful situations, and acts of bravery generally fall into that category. It's also possible he isn't allowed to give details for security reasons.

Answer 6

Noob, you are a moron. Now for the question: All U. S. military decorations are accompanied by a citation suitable for framing. It is a matter of public record, and he should let you read it.

Answer 7

Read the award. It list on the award what the actions were.

Answer 8

outstanding bravery, my friend led a convoy through enemy lines in viet nam and got one, saved several lives too.

Answer 9

Ask John Kerry. He got one.

added later:
Sorry, cubangold. My answer was meant as sarcasm but it was not obvious. I voted for John Kerry and I think it was a crime when the Republicans drug our servicemen' commendations through the mud.

My hat is off to your son and to you for raising him.

Answer 10

That's because he didn't get it. You get it for bravery....Being honorable. And he can't tell you? Hmmmmm....Beware..