Citation Star (Silver Star) On July 9, 1918, an Act of Congress authorized the wearing of a small (3/16&quot silver star upon the ribbon of a campaign medal by Army personnel. This was to indicate "a citation for gallantry in action, published in orders issued from the headquarters of a general officer, not warranting the award of a Medal of Honor or Distinguished Service Cross". World War I veterans who had received this award wore the device on the WWI Victory Medal. This was originally known in the Army as the "citation star", but was established as the Silver Star Medal in 1932. At this time, holders of a citation star were issued the new medal.