Combat Action Ribbon

BACK DEVICE(s)

Description:

1. Authorized by the Secretary of the Navy, February 17, 1969.
2. Awarded to members of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Coast Guard, operating under the control of the U.S. Navy, in the grade of O-6, or below, who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. Personnel who earned the Combat Infantryman Badge while members of the U.S. Army maybe authorized to wear the Combat Action Ribbon instead. The principal eligibility criterion is that the Service members must have participated in a ground or surface combat fire fight or action during which they were under enemy fire and their performance while under fire must have been satisfactory.
3. Ribbon bars are issued to personnel certified eligible; however, a medal is not authorized and a citation or certificate shall not be issued. For Service members who qualify in two or more operations, subsequent awards shall be indicated by the use of a Gold Star on the ribbon.