The Silver Star Medal (known unofficially as the Silver Star) is the United States Armed Forces’ third-highest personal decoration for valor in combat.
 
The medal is awarded primarily to members of the United States Armed Forces for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States, so long as the action did not justify one of the next higher valor awards.
 
The Silver Star Medal was also awarded for singular acts of valor or heroism over a brief period, such as one or two days of a battle.