Combat Action Navy And Marine Corps Ribbon

Combat Action Navy And Marine Corps Ribbon was first created in February 1969 with SECNAVNOTE 1650 with retroactive presentation to March 1, 1961. However on October 5, 1999, by Presidential Order of Bill Clinton and under Public Law 106-65, the retroactive effective date of the Combat Action Ribbon was changed to December 7, 1941 which was the entry date of the United States of America into the Second World War.

To be awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, the individual must have rendered satisfactory performance under enemy fire while actively participating in a ground or surface engagement.

Personnel who earned the Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical Badge while a member of the United States Army may be authorized to wear the Combat Action Ribbon upon application to the Department of the Navy. As of May 2005, the United States Army has created a new decoration known as the Combat Action Badge (previously known as the Combat Recognition Ribbon) which is considered the direct Army equivalent to the Combat Action Ribbon, though the CAB is not available to infantry or medical Soldiers who are in combat arms units, and is available to officers at or below the rank of Colonel.

Retroactive awards of the Combat Action Ribbon, for retired, deceased, or discharged personnel, are handled by the Navy Liaison Officer to the National Personnel Records Center.

While any eligible sailor or Marine may receive the ribbon, lists units and operations whose members or participants are authorized to wear it.

The Navy/Marine Corps version of the Combat Action Ribbon may be awarded to members of the Coast Guard if they are operating with a Navy or Marine Corps unit.