If you could provide a regulation to find it that would be terrific! The bronze star was already awarded and now our commander wants to give him a MSM too.
2007-12-28 02:50:55 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Yes you can, but only if the BSM is given for a single act.
Example: You could receive the MSM for a deployment, while on the deployment you pull a fellow soldier out of a burning vehicle and fight off a group of insurgents. For that act you could receive the BSM with a V device.
This would all be covered in AR 600-8-22 Chapter 1-19
1–19. Duplication of awards
a. Only one decoration will be awarded to an individual or unit for the same act, achievement, or period of meritorious service.
b. The award of a decoration in recognition of a single act of heroism or meritorious achievement does not preclude an award for meritorious service at the termination of an assignment. Recommendations for award of a decoration for meritorious service will not refer to acts of heroism or meritorious achievements which have been previously recognized by award of a decoration.
c. Continuation of the same or similar type service already recognized by an award for meritorious service or achievement will not be the basis for a second award. If appropriate, an award may be made to include the extended period of service by superseding the earlier award, or the award previously made may be amended to incorporate the extended period of service.
d. Awards authorities may not recommend a duplicate award for the same act or service from another service component. That is, if a Soldier is assigned to a joint command, he or she may not receive a joint award and a Service award for the same period; moreover, a Soldier who is retiring may only be recommended for a Service or Defense retirement award, but not both.
I hope this helps.
2007-12-28 02:59:11 · answer #1 · answered by imthevoiceofgod 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, I don't think the answer is that clear. The key, you say, is the same time frame. If it is exactly the same time frame (i.e. the heroic event that led to the Bronze Star was dated from Day X to Day Y and the MSM is also from Day X to Day Y) then two awards should not be given for the same act or period.
But, it is sometimes appropriate to award a meritorious achievement medal for a period of time that may include a specific award of the Bronze Star for a specific event or act. In other words, if the MSM encompasses a full of tour of duty, for example, while the Bronze Star refers specifically to a particular event during that tour then it may be justifiable.
The key is the period of service the award refers to. The dates cannot be exactly the same. One can emcompass the other but they have to, essentially, be for two different things within that time frame. The Bronze Star for heroism in a combat zone, the MSM for services performed in or out of combat.
"As a general rule, only one award will be made for
the same act, achievement, or period of meritorious
service. It is inappropriate to duplicate awards, however,
an award for heroism or specific achievement within the
period of meritorious service is not considered
duplication. Neither the summary of action nor the
citation issued for the meritorious service should mention
the heroic service or the specific achievement previously
recognized." (Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual)
My source was the Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual but I assume it relates closely to other services. Further, it is likely individual commands or higher-echelon commands have already established local rules regarding the dual award of such medals. I would check with your ISIC.
2007-12-28 03:10:24 · answer #2 · answered by madpunter 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well actually a bronze star is not, just for a single event.
A bronze star can also be awarded for Meritorious service during an armed conflict.
Generally you wouldn't recieve both for the exact same time period.
But you could recieve both, for a period of time, that overlapped.
IE:
You were stationed at Fort Campbell in Janurary 2005. Deployed to Iraq in Nov 2005, then came back from the deployment in Janurary 2007. Then recieved orders to Fort Bragg.
You could be awarded the Bronze star for the Iraq deployment, and a Meritorious Service Medal for your time at Fort Campbell that included the deployment.
2007-12-28 03:10:45 · answer #3 · answered by jeeper_peeper321 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Same time frame, yes, but not for the same action(s).
It's just a matter of writing up the award recomendation so that different aspects of his actions in that time period are highlighted in the citations, narratives, and justifications.
From AR 600-8-22:
1–19. Duplication of awards
a. Only one decoration will be awarded to an individual or unit for the same act, achievement, or period of meritorious service.
b. The award of a decoration in recognition of a single act of heroism or meritorious achievement does not preclude an award for meritorious service at the termination of an assignment. Recommendations for award of a decoration for meritorious service will not refer to acts of heroism or meritorious achievements which have been previously recognized by award of a decoration.
c. Continuation of the same or similar type service already recognized by an award for meritorious service or achievement will not be the basis for a second award. If appropriate, an award may be made to include the extended period of service by superseding the earlier award, or the award previously made may be amended to incorporate the extended period of service.
d. Awards authorities may not recommend a duplicate award for the same act or service from another service component. That is, if a Soldier is assigned to a joint command, he or she may not receive a joint award and a Service award for the same period; moreover, a Soldier who is retiring may only be recommended for a Service or Defense retirement award, but not both.
2007-12-28 03:24:29 · answer #4 · answered by RTO Trainer 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The BSM can be awarded for a single valorous act, or it can be awarded as a service award given for a prolonged period of service in a combat zone, typically at the end of a combat tour.
Typically, MSM's are awarded as PCS awards for a specific time period served in that unit, not in combat.
Technically, I do not believe you can be given service awards which overlap in their time period.
Lousy commanders will use whatever excuse they can find to downgrade awards...
Here is the AR:
http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/r600_8_22.pdf
2007-12-28 03:03:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, my husband was just informed that he will be awarded both a MSM and Bronze Star for his actions and duty this time. So yes you can receive both. I will ask him if there is a regulation stating that both can be earned but again he just earned both.
I am so proud of him.
2007-12-28 02:56:28 · answer #6 · answered by ckamk1995 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, I do not recall the regulation but as long as the two awards are not for the same action then there is no conflict
2007-12-28 02:58:25 · answer #7 · answered by SFC_Ollie 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No... The Bronze Star is for actions during a conflict. A MSM is awarded only during peace time... Also you can not be awarded more than one medal for the same action. Medal can be upgraded Silver Star to CMH ect but the SS is gone.
2007-12-28 03:06:00 · answer #8 · answered by Tom M 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
yes, as long as the circumstances surrounding the recommended award are not the same as the circumstances that he earned the bronze star, and so on
2007-12-28 12:27:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Bronze Star is for one particular event. The MSM is for prolonged service, not for just one act of bravery.
2007-12-28 02:59:28 · answer #10 · answered by jack of all trades 7 · 0⤊ 5⤋