[William Tell]

kabar said: "I don't know the regulations on who must approve the awarding of the Silver and Bronze Stars, but I find it hard to believe that SecNav must approve them. "

The signatures on the certificate represent the "recognition" of the award and, no doubt, bear no relation to the level of approval required. The Commendation Medal I received was approved by my company commander. Such awards were common enough that there was probably little review above company level. The certificate was "signed" by a brigadier general and the Secretary of the Army.

For a Silver Star award for valor in combat, there may be a much higher level of scrutiny for approval.

[kabar]

I notice that both Hyland and Lehman signed for the President for the Silver Star.

[OldCorps]

In the army, approval authority for awards is as follows:

Distinguished Service Cross/Distinguished Service Medal: 4 Star Commander

Silver Star/Legion of Merit:-3 star or corps commander

Bronze Star/Meritorious Service Medal: - 2 star or division commander

Arcom: Brigade Commander/O-6
Army Acheivement Medal: Battalion Commander O-5

Obviously, DSC, SS, BSM are awards for heroism and only given during wartime. Normally, the appropriate commander signs these awards; ie, for a DSC, you would see a 4 star general's signature. I'm pretty sure the Navy would have the same grade requirements for approval authority of the various awards.