Editing Bronze Star Medal (section)

==Authorized devices==
The Bronze Star Medal with the "V" device to denote heroism is the fourth highest military decoration for valor. Although a service member may be cited for heroism in combat and be awarded more than one Bronze Star authorizing the "V" device, only one "V" may be worn on each suspension and [[service ribbon]] of the medal.<ref name="UNHCR">{{cite web |url=http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49e486eb6.html |title=2013 UNHCR country operations profile – Afghanistan |website=[[UNHCR]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926074329/http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49e486eb6.html |archive-date=26 September 2013}}</ref><ref name=DoD1348.33v3/> The following ribbon devices must be specifically authorized in the award citation in order to be worn on the Bronze Star Medal, the criteria for and wear of the devices vary between the services:
* [[Oak leaf cluster]] – In the [[United States Army|Army]], [[United States Air Force|Air Force]], and [[United States Space Force|Space Force]],<ref name="apd.army.mil">{{cite web |url=https://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r600_8_22.pdf |title=Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards |date=24 June 2013 |website=Department of the Army |access-date=16 January 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722181345/http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r600_8_22.pdf |archive-date=22 July 2011}}</ref> the oak leaf cluster is worn to denote additional awards.
* [[Award star|<sup>5</sup><small>/</small><sub>16</sub> inch star]] – In the [[United States Navy|Navy]], [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]], and [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]], the <sup>5</sup><small>/</small><sub>16</sub> inch star is worn to denote additional awards.<ref name="DoD1348.33v3">{{cite web |title=Department of Defense Manual 1348.33 Volume 3 |url=http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833vol3.pdf |website=[[Defense Technical Information Center]] |access-date=1 July 2012 |pages=51–53 |date=23 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226205442/http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833vol3.pdf |archive-date=26 February 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [["V" device]] – In the Army, the "V" is worn solely to denote "participation in acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy.";<ref name="apd.army.mil"/> in the Air Force and Space Force, the "V" is worn to denote heroism in combat.
* Combat "V" – In the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, the "V" is worn to denote combat heroism or to recognize individuals who are "exposed to personal hazard during direct participation in combat operations".<ref name="SecNav1650.1h" /><ref name="UNHCR"/>