Original Items: Only One Set Available. The Silver Star Medal (SSM) is the United States Armed Forces' third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. The Silver Star Medal is awarded primarily to members of the United States Armed Forces for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.

The set includes the original SILVER STAR MEDAL marked case with a matching lapel device. It is missing the ribbon. All items appear without extensive damage and are in lovely condition aside from staining. A great example, ready for further research and display.

The Silver Star Medal (SSM), or Silver Star, is the third highest military award for valorous actions in combat. The origins of the Silver Star date back to July 9, 1918, when a Congressional Act authorized the issuance of the Silver Star for acts of gallantry against enemies of the United States, or while serving with friendly foreign forces “engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.” Furthermore, on August 7, 1942, Congress authorized the issuance of the Silver Star to non-military civilians for equal acts of gallantry against enemies of the United States. The Silver Star was the successor of the “Citation Star”, issued by the Department of War during World War I, and its design reflects its specific lineage.

The Silver Star was designed by Rudolf Freund of Bailey, Banks and Biddle, a jeweler in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1832. The medal is a five-pointed gold star with a laurel wreath in the body of the gold star with a smaller star centered on the medal. On the reverse of the star, the words “FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION” in raised letters span across the back of the medal. The medal is suspended on a ribbon of red, white and blue stripes. The awarding of successive Silver Medals is noted by a bronze oak leaf, if a member of the U.S. Army or Air Force, or a bronze star, if a member of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.

The first Silver Star Medal was awarded to General Douglas MacArthur in 1932 and, subsequently, he was awarded the Silver Star seven times during the ceremony for actions during World War I. Other famous, or well-known, recipients of the Silver Star include former Secretary of State Alexander Haig, Senator John Kerry, Army General George Marshall and former Marine Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North. The SSM has been awarded to more than 100,000 U.S. military service members and civilians. Colonel David “Hack” Hackworth is noted as the military member to have received the most Silver Stars–10–for actions during the Korean and Vietnam wars.