Why did you get awarded medals in World War 2?

There are two different types of "bronze star" awards that can be listed in Army records.

On the Army campaign ribbon, small bronze stars are affixed to indicate campaign participation. For example, a soldier who participated in three campaigns would have three bronze stars on his campaign ribbon.

There is a medal called bronze star, awarded for either performance or valor in combat.

Three bronze star medals in a war are more likely campaign stars than separate medals.