Combat Infantryman Badge

Combat Infantryman Badge
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Name	Combat Infantryman Badge
Awarded by	United States Department of the Army
Type	Badge
Eligibility	United States Army Infantry and Special Forces soldiers
For	Active ground combat while assigned as an infantryman
Status	Currently awarded
First award	1943
Higher	Medal of Honor
Same	Combat Medical Badge
Lower	Parachutist Badge

Combat Infantryman Badge. The Combat Infantryman Badge is a prestigious military decoration awarded to United States Army personnel in the Infantry and Special Forces who have engaged in active ground combat. Established during World War II, it recognizes the unique hardships and direct enemy fire faced by front-line infantry soldiers. The badge is a singular honor, denoting proven combat experience, and is highly regarded within the United States Armed Forces.

History

The badge was created by order of the War Department on 27 October 1943, during the intense campaigns of World War II, such as the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. Its creation was spearheaded by General of the Army George C. Marshall, who sought to bolster morale and recognize the distinct sacrifices of infantrymen fighting in theaters like the European Theater of Operations and the Pacific Theater. Originally retroactive to 7 December 1941, its award criteria were later extended to include subsequent conflicts including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terrorism. The authority to award the badge has been maintained by the United States Department of the Army through commands like the United States Army Human Resources Command.

Criteria for award

The criteria for award are strictly defined by United States Army regulations. A soldier must hold an infantry or special forces Military Occupational Specialty, be assigned to an infantry or special forces unit of brigade or smaller size, and have been present with that unit while it was engaged in active ground combat. The combat must involve engaging the enemy with personal weapons, and the soldier must have performed satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed standards of their unit, such as during the Battle of Inchon or the Battle of Ia Drang. Service in a combat area, such as with the Multinational Force and Observers or during Operation Desert Storm, does not alone qualify a soldier for the badge without direct participation in ground combat under the specified conditions.

Design and symbolism

The badge's design is a silver-colored rectangle, surmounted by a silver musket on a light blue infantry background, set within a silver oval that is encircled by a silver wreath. The musket, derived from the official insignia of the Infantry Branch, symbolizes direct frontline combat. The light blue bar represents the Infantry color, while the wreath, a symbol of achievement and honor, draws from classical traditions seen in awards like the Legion of Merit. The entire design is worn above the recipient's ribbons or on the Army Service Uniform.

Notable recipients

Many distinguished military and political leaders have received the badge for their frontline service. Notable recipients include several Medal of Honor awardees such as Audie Murphy and Salvatore Giunta. Senior commanders like General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. and Colonel David Hackworth were honored for their actions in conflicts like the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. Former United States Secretary of State Colin Powell and Senator Bob Dole also earned the badge for their service during the Korean War and World War II, respectively. Fictional portrayals of recipients are found in works like the film *Forrest Gump*.

Similar badges

The Combat Medical Badge, created concurrently, is an analogous award for medical personnel assigned to infantry or special forces units who provide care under fire. Other services have comparable awards, such as the United States Navy's Combat Action Ribbon and the United States Air Force's Combat Action Medal. The British Army awards the Operational Service Medal for campaign service, while the Israel Defense Forces issues a Lozenge for combat service. Within the United States Army, the Expert Infantryman Badge tests proficiency but does not require combat experience.