EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif -- Master Sergeant David Larriva, a 95th Civil Engineering and Transportation Directorate Explosive Ordnance Division superintendent received his second Bronze Star Medal for his performance during a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a Meritorious Service Medal for his actions as team chief of a U.S. Secret Service explosive detection team during a national convention for President George Bush, and an Air Force Combat Action medal.
The Bronze Star Medal was established by Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (superseded by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, as amended by Executive Order 13286, The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded by the Secretary of a military department or the Secretary of Homeland Security with regard to the Coast Guard when not operating as a service in the Navy, or by such military commanders, or other appropriate officers as the Secretary concerned may designate, to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard of the United States, after December 6, 1941, distinguishes, or has distinguished, herself or himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight. While engaged in an 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. The acts of heroism are of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star. The acts of merit or acts of valor must be less than that required for the Legion of Merit but must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction.