On the recordMay 26, 2011
In keeping with the spirit of the Warrior Ethos, on May 2, 2005, the Department of the Army authorized the creation of the Combat Action Badge. The Combat Action Badge provides special recognition to Soldiers who personally engaged the enemy, or are engaged by the enemy during combat operations. The bayonet and grenade on the badge are associated with active combat. The oak wreath on the badge signifies strength and loyalty. Unfortunately, current Army policy limits eligibility to those individuals who meet the criteria of the Combat Action Badge after September 18, 2001. In doing so, it overlooks the thousands of veterans who made similar sacrifices in previous wars. This legislation would expand the eligibility for the Combat Action Badge to include those who served honorably from December 7, 1941 to September 18, 2001. Additionally, in accordance with the wishes of those veterans who first pursued this legislation, the costs of the Combat Action Badge would be borne by these individuals, not the military. Therefore, this measure costs American taxpayers nothing. In closing, it is important to mention that our nation's veterans have made tremendous sacrifices in defense of our freedom. As a nation, we owe our veterans a debt that can never fully be repaid.
