Marine Corps Star

The Marine Corps Star was the highest decoration that could be awarded within the Republic Marines, and was second in prestige only to the Cross of Glory within the. Officially awarded for "acts of heroism involving great risk of life and limb in combat operations against an armed aggressor," recommendations for the Marine Corps Star were typically passed to review boards, who decided whether or not the individual being nominated deserved the medal. Like other medals however, the Star could be bestowed upon a Marine by an officer of flag rank, either admiral or general, from any of the three branches of the military.

As with other decorations for valor within the Marine Corps, earning the Star resulted in an individual soldier or officer advancing closer to being promoted in rank. Subsequent awards of the Star were marked as "clusters" upon the medal itself.