The Silver Star 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. Originally known as the Silver Star Citation or Citation Star, it was established by an Act of Congress on July 9, 1918. On July 19, 1932, the Secretary of War approved the Silver Star to replace the Citation Star, with the original Citation Star incorporated into the center of the medal. It is now awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States, or while engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. While the degree of heroism is of a lesser degree than that required for the Medal of Honor or Distinguished Service Cross, the acts of heroism must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction.

Below are listed the 16th Infantrymen who were awarded the Silver Star for “gallantry in action.” Click the soldier’s name to see all the available full citations for awards to the individual soldier.