The Army wants as much information as it can collect regarding the more than 700 Silver Star Medals it has awarded for actions since Sept. 18, 2001, as part of a Defense Department-wide review — one that could result in some soldiers receiving even more prestigious decorations, including the Medal of Honor.
Individuals have until March 31 to forward any documentation surrounding a Silver Star award to Army Human Resources Command, according to a recent HRC news release. Examples include the approved award recommendation (DA Form 638), a citation, a narrative or any sworn statements that were submitted as part of the initial packet; the review is not seeking new statements or documents.
Files can be mailed to the command at 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY, 40122, marked "ATTN: AHRC-PDP-A." They can also be emailed to usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-awards@mail.mil.
HRC maintains records on approved certificates for Silver Stars, command spokeswoman Lt. Col. Janet Herrick said via email, but not supporting documents. A military personnel message has instructed corps and division commanders to submit the same documents, Herrick said, "but there have been multiple changes of leadership and how files were maintained from theater under different commands since 2001."
The Army also will review the awards of Distinguished Service Crosses during the same time period as part of the same DoD award process, Herrick said, but HRC maintains all relevant files for that honor. The full DoD review is expected to be on the secretary of defense's desk by Sept. 30, 2017.
Kevin Lilley is the features editor of Military Times.
