The Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) was established by the War Department on 27 October 1943. Lieutenant General Lesley J. McNair, then the Army Ground Forces commanding general, was instrumental in its creation. He originally recommended that it be called the "fighter badge." The CIB was designed to enhance morale and the prestige of the "Queen of Battle." Then Secretary of War Henry Stinson said, "It is high time we recognize in a personal way the skill and heroism of the American infantry."
The PURPLE HEART is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration.
An organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart," was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, it is the only veterans service organization comprised strictly of "combat" veterans.
The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Army of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy; or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
ARMY STAFF IDENTIFICATION BADGE
DESCRIPTION: The Coat of Arms of the United States in gold with the stripes of the shield to be enameled white and red and chief of the shield and the sky of the glory to be enameled blue, superimposed on a five-pointed black enameled star; in each reentrant angle of the star are three green enameled laurel leaves. The star is 3 inches in diameter for the Chief of Staff and former Chiefs of Staff and a 2 inches in diameter badge is authorized for all other personnel awarded the badge.
SYMBOLISM: The badge is based on the General Staff insignia with a black star in lieu of the Silver Star. The addition of the laurel leaves indicate achievement.
AWARD ELIGIBILITY: The badge is awarded by principal officials of Headquarters, Department of the Army to military personnel serving on their staff and within their subordinate agencies. Eligibility criteria for wear and permanent issue are contained in Department of the Army Memorandum 672-1. Permanent issue must be authorized by principal officials with the certificate of authorization constituting authority for wearing the badge as a permanent part of the uniform.
DATE APPROVED: The badge was first proposed by General MacArthur, while Chief of Staff, in a conversation with Brigadier General Andrew Moses, then Assistant Chief of Staff, G1, War Department General Staff, on 28 December 1931. Subsequently, the badge was designed by the Office of the Quartermaster General and approved by the Chief of Staff, General MacArthur, on 28 July 1933. It was announced on 23 August 1933 in War Department Circular No. 45 and award was made retroactive to 4 June 1920. Sergeants Major were authorized to be awarded the badge effective 30 September 1978 and the effective date for Warrant Officers was 22 August 1979. The lapel button for civilian personnel in the grade of GS-11 and higher was authorized effective 1 July 1982. The Army Chief of Staff, General Wickham, also approved a change in the name of the badge from Army General Staff Identification Badge to Army Staff Identification Badge. On 4 May 2004, the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, approved changes to the eligibility requirements.
SUBDUED BADGE: The Army Staff Identification Badge is not authorized to be worn or manufactured in a subdued version.
