COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE
DESCRIPTION: A silver and enamel badge 1 inch in height
and 3 inches in width, consisting of an infantry
musket on a light blue bar with a silver
border, on and over an elliptical oak wreath.
Stars are added at the top of the wreath
to indicate subsequent awards; one star for
the second award, two stars for the third
award and three stars for the fourth award.
SYMBOLISM: The bar is blue, the color associated with
the Infantry branch. The musket is adapted
from the Infantry insignia of branch and
represents the first official U.S. shoulder
arm, the 1795 model Springfield Arsenal musket.
It was adopted as the official Infantry branch
insignia in 1924. The oak symbolizes steadfastness,
strength and loyalty.
AWARD ELIGIBILITY: Awarded to personnel in the grade of Colonel
or below with an infantry or special forces
military occupational specialty who have
satisfactorily performed duty while assigned
as a member of an infantry/special forces
unit, brigade or smaller size, during any
period subsequent to 6 December 1941 when
the unit was engaged in active ground combat.
The policy was expanded to permit award to
Command Sergeants Major of infantry battalions
or brigades, effective 1 December 1967. Specific
criteria for each conflict was also established.
Only one award is authorized for service
in Vietnam, Laos, the Dominican Republic,
Korea (subsequent to 4 January 1969), El
Salvador, Grenada, Panama, the Southwest
Asia and Somalia, regardless of whether an
individual has served in one or more of these
areas. The complete criteria for each area
and inclusive dates are listed in Army Regulation
600-8-22.
| (Credit: U. S. Army Institute of Heraldry) |