What were the requirements and protocol for the receiving the Individual Bronze Star in World War 2?

Answer 1

Here is an item of interest to WWII combat infantrymen and combat medics concerning awarding of the Bronze Star Medal. After General Omar Bradley became Chief of Staff of the U. S. Army, he announced that he felt combat infantrymen and medics of WWII deserved something more than a 'well done'. Army regulations were changed so that combat infantrymen and medics from World War II who had been awarded the Combat Infantry Badge or Combat Medic Badge between Dec. 7, 1941 and Sept. 3, 1945 were also eligible for the Bronze Star award. If you qualify, send your request to: National Personnel Records GSA (Army), 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132. You might mention in your request that the authority for the award is Change 13 to AR 600-45, Department of the Army, 4 November 1947. For more particulars check requirements for a Bronze Star award, sect. 3-13, para. d, (2). You too can still be a (young?) hero. The award only applies to infantrymen and medics from the World War II era. The regulations for awarding the Combat Infantry Badge were changed after WWII so later servicemen do not qualify.

Answer 2

Just surviving a combat mission does not get any soldier a Bronze Star. To earn a Bronze Star you must distinguish yourself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. In other words you must do something above and beyond just surviving. My Father-In-Law won a Bronze Star in WW2 and he did not kill one German soldier. He did however help protect his unit by carrying a message through enemy lines riding a motorcycle. He was wounded and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Answer 3

You basically had to survive a combat mission. For a Silver Star you had to have a lot of credited kills in a single mission.