He was still awarded silver medal, becoming the first amputee athlete to achieve that feat.

CNN: August 9, 2012 -- Updated 1616 GMT (0016 HKT)

Heroes like the seven service members who last week were awarded the Silver Star for valorous acts more awe-inspiring than anything Hollywood could have conjured.

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His stance drew attention both because of his military record -- he had served as an officer in the Navy and had been awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star and three Purple hearts -- and his background.

CNN: Specials

Sergeant Sanders was awarded the Silver Star.

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Hagel has two purple hearts to his credit while Kerry has been awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star while Mr. Cruz has never worn the uniform of an American solider, sailor or Marine unless it was to a Halloween party.

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Prior to their success as pros, each also captured the Silver Cup, awarded to the top amateur who survives the cut.

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"Forget the word medals, " Ecclestone said, referring to his previous proposal that would see gold, silver and bronze medals awarded to the top three finishers.

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They confirm that as a fighter pilot he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, silver and bronze stars, a purple heart and other medals.

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In 2010 Maj Malins also became only the second non-Japanese national to be awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays for his reconciliation work.

BBC: England

The silver medal - gold medals were not handed out until the 1904 games in St Louis - was never awarded due to the cancellation of the boating events as a result of bad weather.

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