Final answer:
In the U.S. Armed Forces, oak leaf clusters and service stars are issued instead of multiple medals for second and succeeding awards, representing continued recognition of military achievements.
Step-by-step explanation:
In recognition of second and succeeding awards for certain military decorations, the United States Armed Forces issued oak leaf clusters in the Army and Air Force and service stars in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. These devices are attached to the ribbon of the initial medal or the ribbon bar worn instead of the medal. For example, the Air Medal, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon are a few decorations where subsequent awards are denoted by oak leaf clusters or service stars, depending on the service branch.
The practice of awarding oak leaf clusters and service stars allows for continued recognition of an individual's achievements without the issuance of multiple medals for the same decoration. These devices are commonly found in medal sets, such as Colonel Elizabeth Smellie's, which includes several honors like the Royal Red Cross Class 2 and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal.