Miniature five-pointed bronze faceted star with integral loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a five-pointed star centrally; the reverse with a circular central inscription ‘HEROIC OR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT’; diameter 18.96mm (0.75 inch); on original ribbon with brooch bar mounted for wear with maker’s mark ‘‘LI GI’ for Lordship Industries of Hauppauge, New York. The Medal was instituted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on 4 February 1944 and was retrospective to 7 December 1941 (the date of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor). It may be awarded to ‘individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight’
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