Vets eligible for Bronze Star
Many World War II veterans who earned the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) or the Combat Medical Badge (CMB) never realized they are eligible to receive the Bronze Star as well.
In 1947, a policy was implemented that authorized the retroactive award of the Bronze Star Medal to soldiers who had received the CIB or CMB during WWII. The basis for doing this was that the badges were awarded only to soldiers who had borne the hardships which resulted in General Marshall's support of the Bronze Star Medal.
Both badges required a recommendation by the commander and a citation in orders.
Any veteran who had received the CIB or CMB (as indicated on the discharge papers) but did not receive his Bronze Star, should write to National Personnel Records Center (NRPMA-M) Medal Section, 9700 Page Ave., St. Louis MO 63132-5100.
