Is the Bronze Star a commonly received medal in the armed forces?

I was going through some old boxes and came across my grandfather's war medals. He died before I was even born and I don't really know when he served, I think during the Korean War. But one of his medals was the bronze star and I wondering if it is a commonly received award.Is the Bronze Star a commonly received medal in the armed forces?The bronze star is received for two reasons..



1. meritorious service during combat (not peacetime or in a non combat zone during wartime)



2. For valor in combat



The bronze start for meritorious service is not uncommon,...especially if the person was an officer or NCO. For valor it is pretty rare.



If the ribbon portion has a small "V" attached to it it was for valor. If not it wasn't (or the V got lost somewhere.Is the Bronze Star a commonly received medal in the armed forces?No it is not common.



They are awarded now, more than they used to.



There are two separate bronze star medals ( actually same medal, just one has gold V device attached )



The bronze star with V device ( for valor ) is the 4th highest award for valor.



The bronze star without the V device, is awarded for meritorious service in combat.Is the Bronze Star a commonly received medal in the armed forces?no