How About This? I didn't know about this. Bill to Create License Plates Honoring Bronze Star Recipients Clears Assembly Panel

2015-06-07T15:02:42-04:00

By Press Release

TRENTON -- Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Bob Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland) and Vince Mazzeo (D-Atlantic) to create special license plates honoring recipients of the Bronze Star was released Thurs. by an Assembly panel.

The bill (A-3086) authorizes the chief administrator of the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission to issue special license plates to recipients of the Bronze Star who request one. The Bronze Star is a decoration awarded by the U.S. Army for heroism or meritorious achievement in ground combat.

“The Bronze Star has been awarded for bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service since 1944,” said Andrzejczak, a U.S. Army veteran who was wounded in Iraq and is the recipient of a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. “This special license plate, while a more humble tribute, would provide another opportunity to pay homage to the valor displayed by these soldiers on the battlefield.”

“Real heroes often walk amongst us and we often don’t even know it,” said Mazzeo. “This is a small way to recognize those who exemplified bravery and thank them for their service to our country.”

The license plates authorized by the bill would bear a design approved by the chief administrator identifying the registrant as a recipient of the Bronze Star, in addition to other markings or identification otherwise prescribed by law. The license plate would be available to recipients of the decoration upon payment of a one time $15 fee that would be in addition to any other motor vehicle registration charges required by law. The chief administrator is to retain the $15 fee to reimburse the commission for costs incurred in producing the license plates. The bill authorizes the chief administrator to promulgate rules and regulations governing the issuance and use of these plates.

Current law provides for the issuance of special plates to recipients of the Silver Star, a United States military decoration awarded for gallantry in action, as well as a Gold Star, a United States military decoration awarded to families who make the ultimate sacrifice.

The bill was released by the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 7 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-06-07T15:04:57-04:00

Always a nice gesture. I believe Massachusetts also has a Bronze Star plate.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 7 at 2015 10:20 PM

2015-06-07T22:20:00-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, the State of Tennessee has had them for quite some time. As a matter of fact, there are two types of BSM plates: one for valor and one for merit.

Response by SSG Melvin Nulph made Jun 8 at 2015 1:24 AM

2015-06-08T01:24:16-04:00

I think it is great, but it will never change my mind, " the man\women, makes the uniform not the awards. But it will sure help us know who some of them are when they are out of their uniform and among us on the highways and byways in this great country they serve so well.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 8 at 2015 10:41 AM

2015-06-08T10:41:01-04:00

Colorado already has one for that state as well.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-06-24T15:33:59-04:00

Sorry still like my security. But yes we have these in Maine as well, but I have to choose between these and the DV ones, I will stick to these and hang my tag in the window. Not like I want the first thing seen being disabled tags either. I am just weird like that...

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Jun 28 at 2015 4:12 AM

2015-06-28T04:12:06-04:00

Most states already have a license plate for various medals. Virginia has one for Bronze Star recipients that is quite popular ... I see them every damn day (and because they are so prolific, I have come to the conclusion that the Bronze Star must be handed out like candy anymore).

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2015 9:04 AM

2015-06-28T09:04:32-04:00

Don't take what I'm saying the wrong way, because I believe the awards are earned and I believe the display is a matter of pride, and I believe they should be recognized, but has anyone ever thought about the fact that the display may make them targets? It only takes one crazy to end the life of a hero.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Oct 25 at 2015 10:04 PM

2015-10-25T22:04:06-04:00

Didn't know about these until my kids got the Purple Heart plates for my truck. After I had them a while I found out that vehicles bearing them didn't have to pay metered parking in most cities in Texas. And there are no renewal fees. All of the Medal plates are available with disabled designators(DV) and by Texas Law DV plates are authorized use of disabled parking spaces. Documentation requirements are DD214 for the decoration and VA certification for disability. Just the lack of fees saves a hundred dollars a year. Haven't figured out how much I don't spend on parking.

Response by SP5 Joel McDargh made Oct 29 at 2015 12:50 AM

2015-10-29T00:50:50-04:00

If they earned it they should be able to show it. However, with all the stolen valor BS going on I would hope that a requirement would be for those applying have to show proof of their award.

Response by SFC James Welch made May 10 at 2018 7:27 PM

2018-05-10T19:27:02-04:00

I am Retired and spend a lot of time traveling the Country and staying in Military RV Parks a lot. I find comfort in being “among my own”. I have a Retired Army Plate on the Front Of my Truck with a Vietnam emblem in the center of it. My trailer has a Purple Heart Plate on it. One man came up as I was getting gas and thanked me for my service. He had been in Iraq. I don’t think people on average care about our Service. They are not impressed with any award we may have gotten. Only among your own do you get any acknowledgement of your Service and perhaps that’s as it should be.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 11 at 2018 7:23 PM

2018-05-11T19:23:42-04:00

We have had then for a long time in TN, also PH and SSM plates.

Response by SSG Jeremy Sharp made May 11 at 2018 10:13 PM

2018-05-11T22:13:29-04:00

Many states including Ohio already have these plates. We also have a Purple Heart plate.

Response by Sgt Douglas Berger made May 15 at 2018 2:05 AM

2018-05-15T02:05:08-04:00

How many people civilian or military understand the meaning of the Bronze Star. Most feel it represents a combat award. However the Bronze Star is mostly awarded for merit. Someone doing a good job can be eligible. If it is awarded for heroism it has the "V" for valor. Who of us wants to explain the award was earned for merit not combat. How often have we heard Senator Billy Bob served during Vietnam and he was awarded the Bronze Star. The thoughts of most think combat/ heroism. The same is true for the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation ... to recognize heroism, valor or outstanding achievement in their ranks. Unlike the Bronze Star the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation "V" for valor is only added for direct combat.

I believe this was a mistake made years ago. The "V", my opinion is the only thing that distinguish the difference of this award between merit and Valor. The Navy and Marine Corp Commendation is the same requirement as the Bronze Star, but does not involve combat.

It is easy to see where someone made the mistake because they read the Navy Marine Corp Commendation is a non-combat award.. BUT it does not mean the "V" for valor should not be authorized for heroism.

I may have made it more confusing than clear. Maybe I should say the Navy Marine Corp Commendation is a non-combat award so how is it that they say the "V" is only awarded if combat was involved.

It is just one mistake of many that has never been corrected. I saw a man at Veterans day with the ribbon with a "V" why would I ask how he earned the "V" for a non-combat award? I would not even knowing it could be another case of "stolen Valor"

Sorry for the lengthy response to a simple question.

Response by 1SG Cj Grisham made Dec 29 at 2018 4:56 PM

2018-12-29T16:56:37-05:00

I have a Bronze Star w V device plate. Texas offers BSM and BSMV plates, as well as other medals.

Response by SPC Jim Reece made Mar 5 at 2020 1:56 PM

2020-03-05T13:56:21-05:00

In North Carolina the BSM with V tag is free You have to pay for the BSM for meritorious service Jim Reece BSM with V