Before the Civil War, there was no medal of valor for the United States Military. The Medal of Honor was the only service medal that recognized gallantry against enemy combatants.
During World War I, the “Citation Star” was created. It later became known by the name “Silver Star”. The Silver Star is the third-highest award for valor.
You must watch “Band of Brothers” if you haven’t already. You can also read the book. What’s obvious is that Easy Company men were brave and selfless. On D-Day 12 men from the 101st Easy Company had to destroy a battery consisting of four 105MM howitzers that were being trained on the Normandy beaches. Twelve men were dispatched against 60 entrenched German soldiers. Easy Company soldiers destroyed artillery, killing 20 Germans. This was a dangerous mission. A near suicide mission.
Three men who took part in this daring attack have been awarded the Silver Star.
Silver Stars were awarded to men in America’s wars that followed. Another example is this one for an Airman.
Airman [Lief] Arvidson, during a day/night mission in a hostile environment in rugged terrain with jungle and mountains, successfully extracted eight critically injured survivors. The calm, professional way in which Airman Arvidson performed his duties despite hostile fire was crucial to the success of the mission. Airman Arvidson’s gallantry and dedication to duty have brought great credit to himself and the United States Air Force.
Navy SEALs from DevGru, during the war against terror, were given a mission to capture and kill. The raid on Osama bin Ladin was the one in question. Many of those who took part in the raid warned the pilots flying their Black Hawks, that they probably wouldn’t be returning. A suicide mission. Everyone is familiar with the raiders who are on the ground. The Black Hawk pilots are known to be exceptional pilots. One of these pilots, CW5 Douglas Englen explained:
“We are the ones who penetrate a sovereign country. We are the ones who have to avoid the air defense and early warning system. We are the ones who have to ensure that we can get ground forces to where they need. “If you loiter for an hour in an area where they could shoot at you at any moment, they could think it was an Indian aircraft.”
A pilot with exceptional flying skills, the Black Hawk crashed pilot almost certainly saved both the mission and the lives of those aboard. Both Black Hawks pilots played a vital role in the success of the mission. Both Black Hawk pilots received Silver Stars for their gallantry.
Israel killed Iranian Brigadier-General Mohammad Reza Zahedi in April 2024. Israel knew Iran would respond with an attack. The Israeli government asked for and received American assistance to stop a drone strike and missile attack by Iran. Iran launched 300 unmanned missiles and drones to attack Israel later in the month. The United States sent aircraft to intercept these drones and missiles.
On Nov. 12, 30 fighter pilots and airmen were recognized for missions during the largest air-to-air enemy engagement in over 50 years, according to the Air Force. The crew of one F-15E, pilot Maj. Benjamin Coffey and Fweapon systems officer Capt. Lacie Hester was awarded the nation’s third-highest valor award, the Silver Star.
The Iranian attack consisted entirely of unmanned drones, missiles, and rockets.
During the ceremony 28 other airmen who were involved in the defensive operations received six Distinguished Flying Crosses (with the valor devices), four Distinguished Flying Crosses (with the combat devices), four Distinguished Flying Crosses, and two Bronze Stars. They also received seven Air and Space Commendation Medals and seven Air and Space Achievement Medals.
According to reports, the F-15 crew that was awarded Silver Stars used all their missiles before switching to a Gatling Gun.
Pete Hegseth has stated that he does not believe women should be in combat roles. I agree with you, but only to a certain extent. I believe women are capable of being pilots and weapons officers.
I asked retired Airmen whether they thought Hester’s Silver Star would be appropriate. One retired Airman said that the Air Medal was more appropriate. “I was shot at and received an Air Medal.” The other person called it “absurd.”
Was the crew of that particular F-15 deserving of Silver Stars or another lower-grade medal? Were both awarded Silver Stars because the weapons officer was a woman?
