Temporary Archive: Suzanne Brockmann's Message Board

Are the awards given regardless of the branch of the military or do different actions earn them for different branches? What types of actions would earn these? And am I correct that a Silver Star is more prestigious than a Bronze Star or is it just different? I'm sure I could spend hours googling this info but you BBers are so much more efficient. Thanks in advance. I noticed both a Bronze Star and Silver Star on the office wall of a friend who served in the Army and am curious about them.
Laura