Based on the study, it was recommended the scope of the Meritorious Unit Commendation be expanded to include acts of heroism.The CSPER disapproved the recommendation and in a memorandum to the CSA, dated 7 January 1966, it recommended a Valorous Unit Award be adopted to signify unit gallantry in combat to a degree equivalent to that required for award of a Silver Star to an individual.Extended periods of combat duty or participation in a large number of operational missions, either ground or air, is not sufficient.This award will normally be earned by units that have participated in single or successive actions covering relatively brief time spans.It is not reasonable to presume that entire units can sustain Silver Star performance for extended time periods under the most unusual circumstances.