Bronze Star Awards Stir Controversy

An investigation by Stars and Stripes reporter Jon R. Anderson showed that many of the Bronze Stars awarded for service in the Kosovo War went to Air Force and Navy personnel who were not in the combat zone. The issue produced numerous letters to the editor and a Pentagon review of the process. Click below to read the stories.


Criteria for the Bronze Star

Gen. George C. Marshall's plan resulted in award's creation

June 4-5, 2000: Many Kosovo Bronze Star winners weren't in traditional combat zones.

June 4-5, 2000: Majority of Kosovo Bronze Stars went to officers.

June 4-5, 2000: Tales of heroism emerge from Kosovo citations.

June 8, 2000: Pentagon to review Bronze Star awards.

June 14, 2000: Kosovo Campaign Medal criteria draw criticism

June 18, 2000: Air Force to award 61 more Bronze Stars

June 18, 2000: Lt. Gen. Michael C. Short responds  (Letter to the Editor)

July 1, 2000: Pentagon defends Bronze Star awards, policy

Oct. 15, 2000: Many in Army Special Forces denied medals for actions in Balkans

Oct. 27, 2000: Congress moves to limit Bronze Star eligibility

Nov. 2, 2000: Two more Bronze Star nominations made before new law