The Bronze Star Medal

A military surgeon, Col. Jay Johannigman has contributed significantly to advances in military medicine, including inventing new technologies and pioneering a highly successful military-civilian trauma and critical care education partnership. A seven combat deployment veteran, Dr. Jay Johannigman’s multiple military awards include the Bronze Star Medal. He belongs to a select group of surgeons to receive the award during the war in Iraq.

Dating back to World War II, the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to a service member who demonstrates heroic acts in the field or performs meritoriously at work. To be considered, military personnel must perform these acts during armed conflict against a United States enemy. There are three award categories: merit, valor, and achievement. This award does not cover heroic or meritorious deeds during aerial flight.

The award recognizes the recipient’s bravery, honor, and sacrifice while serving the country. The medal is a bronze 1.5-inch diameter star suspended from a red ribbon containing a blue vertical stripe bordered by vertical white strips. Inscribed on the back of the medal are the words, Heroic or Meritorious Achievement, and the recipient’s name.