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Explanation for the
wearing of the Bronze Service Star during WWII
All Personnel in a
unit were entitled to wear the
European-African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (EAME)
for WWII that was in the Europe, Africa or the
Middle East location.
The criteria for
wearing a Bronze Service Star on the EAME are as
follows; a unit in a geographic location during a
specific time period is entitled to wear a Bronze
Service Star. A unit doesn’t have to be in combat
to be awarded a Bronze Service Star.
Here is an example:
Units that were in the Rhineland Campaign between
September 15, 1944 and March 21, 1945 were entitled
to wear a Bronze Service Star for that Campaign. If
a unit was posted to Paris, France March 20, 1945
they are just as entitled to wear a Bronze Service
Star for the Rhineland Campaign as someone who was
in combat September 17, 1944 in Operation Market
Garden. Combat has no bearing on the EAME and
Bronze Service Stars.
The men of the 515th
Parachute Infantry Regiment were entitled to wear
the European-African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
and 2 Bronze Service Stars on their EAME for WWII.
The 515th Parachute
Infantry Regiment first Bronze Service Star was for
the Rhineland Campaign when they stepped of the ship
at La Harve, France in early February 1945.
The 515th Parachute
Infantry Regiment second Bronze Service Star was for
the Central Europe Campaign while in reserve at the
marshalling areas of Poix and Boves, France in early
April 1945.
They were alerted
for Operation Effective but this was cancelled when
the Seventh Army’s overran the 515th Parachute
Infantry Regiment’s Drop Zone south of Stuttgart.
The Central Europe
Campaign entitled a unit to wear a Bronze Service
Star if they were in Germany. There is exception
for the Bronze Service Star.
When a unit is held
in reserve for a Campaign even if they aren’t
located in the geographical location they are
entitled to wear a Bronze Service Star for that
Campaign. The 515th Parachute Infantry
Regiment was held in reserve during the Central
Europe Campaign. Even though the 515th
never entered into Germany they were entitled to
wear the Bronze Service Star for the Central Europe
Campaign as well.
Brian Siddall
November 11, 2019
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