Bulge vets seek CAB recognition
Many World War II veterans, especially those who served in the Battle of the Bulge are seeking recognition that has been awarded to vets of later conflicts.
The Combat Action Badge (CAB), somewhat similar in design to the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) is not an attempt to take credit away from those awarded the highly acclaimed CIB.
The Army has announced the design of the CAB, which will be awarded to veterans who personally engaged in combat after Sept. 18, 2001.
The silver badge is two inches wide, with an oak leaf supporting a bayonet and grenade.
Some infantry veterans have complained that the CAB and CIB are too similar in design, and that the grenade and bayonet are infantry weapons.
Other veterans point out that due recognition should be sought for those veterans who during the Bulge found themselves on the front lines, attacked and surrounded by the enemy, and became actively engaged in personal combat. They include artillerymen, MPs, engineers, and others who fought in the Bulge.
The Checkerboard can not take a stand on this issue, for it is controversial, but suggests that all who favor making the CAB available to veterans of the Battle of the Bulge during 1944-45 write their congressman or a service organization like American Legion, VFW, or DAV.
