American Expeditionary Forces

Silver Star - World War I - Marine Corps & A.E.F.

The Silver Star Medal is the United States' third-highest award exclusively for combat valor and ranks fifth in the precedence of military awards behind the Medal of Honor, the Crosses (Distinguished Service Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross), the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (awarded by DOD), and the Distinguished Service Medals of the various branches of service. It is the highest award for combat valor that is not unique to any specific branch; it has been bestowed by the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines. It may be given by any one of the individual services to not only their own members, but to members of other branches of service, foreign allies, and even to civilians for "gallantry in action" in support of combat missions of the United States military.

U.S. Marines cited General John J. Pershing (USA), Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.) and issued Citation Stars under A.E.F. General orders. *A.E.F. = American Expeditionary Forces