I have seen both sides of the Bronze Star issue ("Medals given like lollipops," letter, March 26). I have seen the entire mayor’s cell at Convoy Supply Camp Scania receive Bronze Stars for "showers, toilets and tents." I have also seen servicemembers receive them posthumously as they deserve.

I received a Bronze Star with "V" for something I did during Tet in Vietnam in 1967. I know what I had to do for it. I later found out it was marked down from a Silver Star. The thing is, I did not expect it at all. I was just doing my part, or what I felt was my part. When it was presented, two first sergeants got Bronze Stars (without a "V") for administrative work. It took some of the shine from it. I was in the Air Force at the time and that was an exception for an E-4 [to receive the medal]. God bless our troops!

Richard MartinContingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq