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Combat Infantryman Badge/Bronze Star

Discussion in 'Honor, Service and Valor' started by Ryan McGrantham, Mar 31, 2019.

  1. Ryan McGrantham

    Ryan McGrantham New Member

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    i just discovered that a great grandfather of mine received the Combat Infantryman Badge during WW2. I know that this would make him also eligible for a bronze star, but this was never awarded to him during his life.

    Has anyone been through this process and can advise who I should reach out to? Would it be a board of the Army to contact or a local congressman or both?


    Ryan
     
    Ryan McGrantham, Mar 31, 2019
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  2. chibobber

    chibobber Member

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    You can apply for a set of replacement medals.If you are next of kin. Check with your local VFW or American Legion Post,service officer. They usually have someone that can help you solve your problem.
     
    chibobber, Mar 31, 2019
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  3. lwd

    lwd Ace

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    My understanding is that the Bronze star was awarded after the war to those who earned the CIB. If you can get a copy of his paperwork it might reflect it.
     
    lwd, Apr 1, 2019
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  4. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Not necessarily. My father's paperwork said nothing about a Bronze Star. He never knew it until he became the Charter Commander of a new VFW post in 1988.
     
    LRusso216, Apr 1, 2019
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  5. Takao

    Takao Ace

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    Doubtful, the policy was implemented in 1947, if the individual was mustered out before then, the paperwork would not indicate it. AFAIK, the policy was that the soldier had to apply for the Bronze Star if they had the CIB, it was not automatically granted.
     
    Takao, Apr 1, 2019
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  6. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Interesting. I'm pretty sure my father never applied for it. When he became the Commander of the VFW post, it was part of the material he received. I have the Bronze Star, the CIB, and the certificate.
     
    LRusso216, Apr 1, 2019
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  7. formerjughead

    formerjughead The Cooler King

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    It wasn't so much and "application" as it was the veteran had to provide proof that they were eligible and had the qualifying service award (CIB). My step dad went through the process, to get his Bronze Star, in the late 70's. If I recall correctly it had something to do with disability compensation and the points assigned to the award or it was issued in conjunction with a review of his service record for disability. I remember being disappointed because when the medal came in the mail it had a "V" and "Oak leaf cluster". My stepdad had no idea that he had already been awarded the Bronze Star w/V for the action which he was wounded in 1943. Turns out he was originally put in for a Silver Star; but, that award was down graded to a Bronze Star w/ V when they found out he survived.
     
    formerjughead, Apr 4, 2019
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