What is a Bronze Star with V citation? Significance explored amid Tim Kennedy military accolade scandal

Tim Kennedy, a former mixed martial artist, recently made a public apology for making claims in the past about earning a Bronze Star Medal with Valor. The ex-MMA fighter took the responsibility for the mistake, days after YouTuber and a retired Green Beret, Valhalla VFT (aka Nathan Cornacchia), shared an exposé video on him. Kennedy wrote on Instagram,

“I want to take full and unequivocal responsibility for a serious mistake. Over the years, I made public statements and gave interviews in which I unintentionally misstated aspects of my military service. Most notably, I implied directly or indirectly that I had been awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. That is not true, and there is no excuse for it. I never received that honor, and I deeply regret ever suggesting otherwise.” 

For the unversed, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device is a military accolade. According to the US Air Force’s official website, the decoration was authorized on February 4, 1944, by Executive Order No. 9419 and was applicable retroactively from December 7, 1941. A person serving in any branch of military service can be awarded the BSM-V. 

Per the US Air Force, the Bronze Star Medal recognizes either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service, “in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.” According to the official criteria of BSM-V, 

“The award recognizes acts of heroism performed in ground combat if they are of lesser degree than that required for the Silver Star. It also recognizes single acts of merit and meritorious service if the achievement or service is of a lesser degree than that deemed worthy of the Legion of Merit; but such service must have been accomplished with distinction.” 

The “V” device signifies valor, implying an “act or acts of heroism” exemplified by an individual. It usually involves, 

“[Engagement] in direct combat with an enemy of the United States, or an opposing foreign or armed force, with exposure to enemy hostilities and personal risk.” 

The jewelry firm, Bailey, Banks and Biddle, designed the Bronze Star Medal, which is shaped in the form of “a five-pointed star 1 1/2 inches from point to point.” 

Tim Kennedy apologizes to the “military and veteran community” for his past claims of earning BSM-V

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Tim Kennedy (@timkennedymma)

As mentioned, the US soldier and ex-MMA fighter issued a public apology for previously implying that he received the Bronze Star Medal with Valor. Tim Kennedy described the military decoration as “sacred” and asserted that it “represents extraordinary courage under fire acts that risk or cost lives.” 

He addressed the awardees and their family and offered his apology for disrespecting their service. Tim Kennedy mentioned that he was young when he stepped into the public eye, acknowledging that he was not prepared for the "scrutiny or pressure that came with it.” However, he claimed that his naivety does not absolve him and added, 

“I should have known better. Integrity is not situational, and I failed to uphold the standards I claimed to represent.” 

He further apologized to the military and veteran community, 

“To the military and veteran community, especially those who’ve served in combat or lost people they love. I am deeply sorry. I know I’ve let many of you down. You had every right to expect more from me, and I didn’t live up to that.” 

Tim Kennedy talked about rebuilding the trust and declared:

“I will no longer speak about my service in a way that elevates me beyond what I actually did.” 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Tim Kennedy (@timkennedymma)

Kennedy thanked the people for holding him accountable and assured that he would do his “best to honor that accountability.” However, it was not the first time Tim mentioned the BSM-V. In January 2025, he denied the previous claims attributed to him. They implied that he was awarded a Bronze Star with V device and a Purple Heart.