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• oak leaf cluster
  oak leaf cluster

  noun

  a U.S. military decoration in the form of a small bronze twig bearing four oak leaves and three acorns, worn on the ribbon of another decoration for valor, wounds, or distinguished service to signify a second award of the same medal.
• oak-leaf cluster
  oak-leaf cluster

  noun

  an insignia consisting of oak leaves and acorns awarded to holders of certain military decorations to indicate a further award of the same decoration

oak leaf cluster

American  

noun

1. a U.S. military decoration in the form of a small bronze twig bearing four oak leaves and three acorns, worn on the ribbon of another decoration for valor, wounds, or distinguished service to signify a second award of the same medal.

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oak-leaf cluster British  

noun

1. an insignia consisting of oak leaves and acorns awarded to holders of certain military decorations to indicate a further award of the same decoration

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Etymology

Origin of oak leaf cluster

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20

Example Sentences

He ended his army career as a major of artillery in Gen. George S. Patton’s Third Army, earning a bronze star with an oak leaf cluster for his actions.

From Washington Times • Jan. 13, 2021

In the 1960s, Stone was awarded a bronze star and a purple heart with oak leaf cluster for heroism in Vietnam.

From The Guardian • Apr. 15, 2013

For his wartime service, he was awarded a Purple Heart, a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with oak leaf cluster.

From New York Times • Jul. 23, 2011