What Medals Qualify for Combat Veteran?
Serving in combat is a noble and dangerous endeavor that requires immense bravery, skill, and dedication. For those who have served in combat, receiving recognition for their sacrifices is essential. However, navigating the complex web of medals and awards can be daunting. In this article, we will delve into the most common medals that qualify for combat veteran status and explore the criteria for earning these prestigious honors.
What Does it Mean to be a Combat Veteran?
Before we dive into the list of medals, it is essential to understand what it means to be a combat veteran. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) defines a combat veteran as someone who has:
- Participated in a combat mission or operation
- Experienced hostile fire, rocket attacks, or enemy shelling
- Performed combat-related duties in a declared combat zone or combat theatre
- Was stationed in a combat zone or theatre for an extended period, even if they did not engage in combat
Medals That Qualify for Combat Veteran Status
Here are some of the most common medals that qualify for combat veteran status:
Contents
Army and Air Force Medals
| Medal | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Purple Heart | Awarded to those who have been wounded or killed in action, or for wounds sustained in the line of duty |
| Combat Action Badge | Awarded to those who have participated in combat operations and have received hostile fire or enemy rocket or mortar attack |
| Air Force Combat Action Medal | Awarded to those who have participated in combat operations and have received hostile fire or enemy rocket or mortar attack |
| Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal | Awarded to those who have participated in an armed expeditionary mission |
| Medal | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Navy Combat Action Ribbon | Awarded to those who have participated in combat operations and have received hostile fire or enemy rocket or mortar attack |
| Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon | Awarded to those who have participated in combat operations and have received hostile fire or enemy rocket or mortar attack |
| Korea Service Medal | Awarded to those who served in Korea during the Korean War (1950-1953) |
| Vietnam Service Medal | Awarded to those who served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War (1955-1975) |
Cole Memorandum and Presidential Orders
- The Cole Memorandum, signed by then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in 2003, expanded the eligibility criteria for combat veteran status to include those who have served in combat zones outside of declared war zones. This included those who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
- Presidential Orders have also played a crucial role in determining combat veteran status. For example, President George W. Bush’s Executive Order 13303, issued in 2003, expanded the eligibility criteria for combat veteran status to include those who have served in Iraq.
Additional Factors to Consider
In addition to these medals, other factors can also impact a service member’s eligibility for combat veteran status, including:
- Combat deployments: A service member’s deployment history can play a significant role in determining combat veteran status. For example, a service member who has been deployed multiple times to combat zones may be eligible for combat veteran status.
- Unit assignments: Service members who have been assigned to units that have engaged in combat operations may be eligible for combat veteran status, even if they did not participate directly in combat.
- Dates of service: The dates of a service member’s deployment or assignment can also impact their eligibility for combat veteran status.
Conclusion
Serving in combat is a challenging and hazardous endeavor that requires immense courage and dedication. Earning medals and recognition for combat veteran status is essential for honoring the sacrifices of service members and their families. By understanding the criteria and eligibility requirements for combat veteran status, service members can take the first step in obtaining the recognition they deserve. Whether you have received the Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, or any other medal, your service has not gone unnoticed, and your sacrifices will never be forgotten.
