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"You seem to be holding DeSantis getting a Bronze Star against him. Just don’t see how that somehow makes him less of a candidate."

I have a right to question someone getting a Bronze Star for simply showing up for work every day. My brother spent a year in the jungles of Vietnam fighting not only the enemy, but also dodging bullets and mortars from his own people. Did he get a Bronze Star for showing up for work everyday, being sent out on back-to-back operations without any rest in-between, sitting in rice paddies soaked to the skin for days? Of course not. The Bronze Star is for meritorious service. It shouldn't be given to someone just because they showed up for work each day. Not DeSantis, Not Biden, not anyone who did not do anything above or beyond what their job duties required. Kerry gave himself 3 Purple Hearts because as Swift Boat Commander, he got to write the after-action reports, and push them up the chain-of-command. Military medals these days are given out like candy, and they shouldn't be. It cheapens the seriousness, and the honor of the award.

578.16Bronze Star Medal. (a) Criteria. The Bronze Star Medal was established by Executive Order 9419, February 4, 1944 (superseded by E.O. 11046, August 24, 1962 and amended by 10 U.S.C. 1133). It is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Army of the United States after December 7, 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy; or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. Per 10 U.S.C. 1133, award of the Bronze Star Medal is limited to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who receive imminent danger pay.

Meritorious achievement and service. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit and meritorious service. The lesser degree than that required for the award of the LM, must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction.

The Silver Star is the third-highest military combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces. It is awarded for gallantry in action:

While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States; While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or

While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

Actions that merit the Silver Star must be of such a high degree that they are above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations but do not merit award of the meet Medal of Honor or a Service Cross (Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Air Force Cross).

It is exactly what the bronze star is for. I don't think the SEAL team he was assigned to would have put him in for it if he was just punching a time clock, as those guys are definitely combat oriented.