silver star: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Yes, in the U.S. military order of precedence, the Silver Star is a medal for valour, while the Purple Heart is awarded for being wounded or killed in action. The Silver Star is considered a higher decoration.

Extremely rarely. The Silver Star is primarily a military award, but there are a few historical instances of it being awarded to allied foreign military personnel or, in extremely rare cases, to civilians serving alongside the U.S. military in combat roles.

The closest British equivalent in purpose and prestige is the Military Cross (MC), awarded to officers of the British Armed Forces for gallantry during active operations. The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross is also a comparable high-level award.

Both can be correct depending on context. Use 'the Silver Star' when referring to the award as an institution or concept (e.g., 'He was awarded the Silver Star'). Use 'a Silver Star' when referring to an instance of it (e.g., 'He received a Silver Star for that action'). As a proper noun, it is always capitalised.

A U.

Silver star is usually formal, military, figurative in register.

Silver star: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪl.və ˈstɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪl.vɚ ˈstɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.