Page "Bronze Star Medal" Paragraph 16

In 2012, the US Air Force alleged that two of its female airmen were subjected to cyber-bullying after receiving Bronze Star Medals for meritorious non-combat service.

The two airmen had been NCOICs in medical units deployed to the War in Afghanistan and received the medals in March 2012.

The awards sparked a debate as to whether or not the Air Force was awarding too many medals to its members, and whether the Bronze Star should be awarded for non-combat service.

This prompted the Air Force to take down stories of the two posted to the internet, and to clarify its criteria for awarding medals.

The Air Force contended that meritorious service awards of the Bronze Star outnumber valor awards, and that it views awards on a case-by-case basis to maintain the integrity of the award.