Has a soldier ever been awarded the CIB five times?

2022-02-17T22:44:59-05:00

A person on Quora claims to have been awarded the CIB 4-5 times. I noticed he is active on this site as well.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 18 at 2022 6:43 AM

2022-02-18T06:43:32-05:00

SPC Bob Ridley No, never. They would have had to be alive and fought in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Panama and Iraq or Afghanistan

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2022 9:28 AM

2022-02-18T09:28:19-05:00

AR 600-8-22 only authorizes up to three awards of the CIB, with good reason as you would age out before qualifying for a 4th.
There are 4 periods for which an award of the badge can be made:

World War II (7 December 1941 to 3 September 1945)
Korean War (27 June 1950 to 27 July 1953)
Vietnam War and other Cold War era actions (2 March 1961 to 10 March 1995)
War on Terror (18 September 2001 to a date to be determined)

I know the name you are talking about. The problem with his CIB claims are that he says he has 2 CIBs from a single award period, Vietnam/Cold War era (Panama and Gulf War), and 2 CIBs from another single award period, GWOT.

Also he was discharged as a PFC in JAN 1990, in Germany, as a PFC, which means he wouldn't have gone to Panama on 20 DEC 1989, and he would have been watching the Gulf War and OEF on TV.

And a discharge as PFC after 5.5 years of service implies a character of discharge that would be challenging to reenlist and impossible to commission.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Feb 18 at 2022 10:22 AM

2022-02-18T10:22:29-05:00

SPC Bob Ridley This guy is an attention whore I think. Some like to inflate their awards due to an inferiority complex or something like that. They might fool some people but you can't fool yourself. However, if you say it enough you start to actually believe it

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2022 11:03 AM

2022-02-18T11:03:34-05:00

That would be impossible given the eligibility dates, also I'm fairly sure the Infantry would never shut up about it if it were a thing. Kind of like Marines and Chesty, etc etc. Every branch has their legends, and a guy with five CIB's would definitely be among them if it were possible.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Feb 18 at 2022 11:52 AM

2022-02-18T11:52:55-05:00

Thats a big NO SPC Bob Ridley

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Feb 18 at 2022 2:53 PM

2022-02-18T14:53:14-05:00

There is no way any that is possible. His ability to serve until he was 90 something would preclude that

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2022 4:56 PM

2022-02-18T16:56:25-05:00

Also, the US Army National Infantry Museum has placards on the wall stating who the 3 time CIB recipients are. They pay VERY close attention to that stuff.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Feb 18 at 2022 9:43 PM

2022-02-18T21:43:06-05:00

Only 325 have been awarded the third award of the Combat Infantryman's Badge, known as the Triple (2 stars) CIB. None are recorded as winning 4 (3 stars) and certainly not 5 (there has never been a 4 star CIB made) awards of the CIB,

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2022 1:08 PM

2022-02-19T13:08:24-05:00

When will people learn to just brag about an ARCOM with a V device, or a Bronze Star with an M device, a single CIB, and no more than 12 ribbons.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2022 5:37 PM

2022-02-22T17:37:15-05:00

This is what falls under Stolen Valor Act of 2013:

The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 amends the federal criminal code to rewrite provisions relating to fraudulent claims about military service to subject to a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both for an individual who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit, fraudulently holds himself or herself out to be a recipient of:

Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross
Navy Cross
Air Force Cross
Silver Star
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
Combat Infantryman's Badge
Combat Action Badge
Combat Medical Badge
Combat Action Medal
Or any replacement or duplicate medal for such medal as authorized by law.

Response by SGT Jonathan Persons made Feb 25 at 2022 1:28 PM

2022-02-25T13:28:44-05:00

I could see 5 Purple Hearts, but not 5 CIB.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Feb 25 at 2022 4:46 PM

2022-02-25T16:46:21-05:00

Not no, but Hell no. As stated earlier this person would be an Army legend.

Response by SPC Daniel Dresen made Feb 25 at 2022 7:25 PM

2022-02-25T19:25:04-05:00

Nope, not possible. Let me guess, he has an ACM (American campaign medal) too? Also not possible to have while still being active in service. Why? Too old. He'd have to be pushing 95 now while still being in... not happening.

Response by 1SG Jarvis Jenkins made Feb 28 at 2022 10:21 AM

2022-02-28T10:21:27-05:00

Wow, Did'nt Know This

Response by 1SG James F Gallagher made Mar 9 at 2022 8:40 AM

2022-03-09T08:40:01-05:00

Talk about stolen valor, I just saw an Air Force officer salute the Vice President of the United States. That is an insult to every member of the military. She is not the vice Commander in Chief. She is not in the chain of command. That officer needs counseling in my opinion!

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Mar 9 at 2022 6:15 PM

2022-03-09T18:15:48-05:00

No.

There is something like a handful of people who have ever been awarded the CIB three times, let alone four or five.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 10 at 2022 1:11 AM

2022-03-10T01:11:46-05:00

Thank you my friend SPC Bob Ridley for posting an interesting question.
Based on the post Desert Storm change to the regulation, only one award of the CIB was authorized for all Cold War operations, as well as all Global War on Terror Operations [2001 onwards]. In Desert Storm each solider in an infantry unit [else 18 series] could be awarded a CIB.
I expect it is likely that somebody was in a unit awarded a CIB in Desert Storm and also qualified for a CIB during the Cold War and a GWOT deployment.
It is theoretically possible fro somebody to be awarded a CIB in say 1971 during the Vietnam War, then a Cold War operation, as a member of a group award in Desert Storm; and an early GWOT operation in say 2003. That would be over a period of 35 or so years including Infantry BCT, AIT and follow-on-courses
Personal awards of the CIB would be limited to 3 wince the CIB was not initiated until after USA got into WWII.
Please consider up-voting this question.
FYI SFC William Farrell SFC Douglas Duckett SGM Mikel Dawson Cpl Gabriel F. LTC Roger Gaines CPT Jim Gallagher SGT Mark Halmrast SPC James Harsh LTC John Williams CPT Private RallyPoint Member MAJ Jim Woods MAJ Richard Martin SGT Scott Adie LTC Greg Henning MSG Greg Kelly PVT Mark Whitcomb

Response by SGT James Adair made Mar 28 at 2022 8:34 AM

2022-03-28T08:34:13-04:00

Those that went to Grenada was awarded the CIB. I didn’t get to go, but I almost did. My company, B 1/35th was on standby that day.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2022 12:15 PM

2022-03-28T12:15:47-04:00

There are currently only four eligibility periods for the CIB.

There are several ways anyone could be "awarded" the CIB four times and all of them are... very specific.

Option 1: "The Wolverine Theory" - He served in World War II (7 December 1941 to 3 September 1945), Korean War (27 June 1950 to 27 July 1953), Vietnam War or other Cold War era actions (2 March 1961 to 10 March 1995), and War on Terror (18 September 2001 to a date to be determined). He would have served in Afghanistan in his mid to late 70s.

Option 2: "Paperwork Boomerang" - He could have had a CIB awarded and had it rescinded four times. If he was awarded a CIB because of bogus 4187 and/or narrative statement and S1 / H.R.C. found out the award was presented under erroneous circumstances, the award would be removed from the SM's records. Someone would then have to submit a new a 4187 with a narrative statement about a different event. I have seen CIBs and CABs rescinded due to Soldiers lying on narrative statements, but 4 times is definitely pushing it.

Option 3: "Operation Guard-Bum" - He could be a Soldier that jumps from state to state for deployments or extends his tour in-country to stay behind. Even though we have iPERMS, S1 could have overlooked his records and he could have been rewarded a CIB (First Award) multiple times from different units. This would end with him having several CIB (1st Award)s, but these would not combined into a CIB (4th Award).

Option 4: "MODERN DAY FOREST GUMP" - This only accounts for CIB (3rd Award)... Just like the movie, its all comes down to insane LUCK... a Soldier would have to be in the right place at the right time... ALOT. This guy would have to have been awarded a CIB for something like Panama, Desert Storm or Somalia, and later for Iraq or Afghanistan giving him the CIB (2nd Award).. The other criteria is this Soldier would also have to be at one of the dozen or so events in Korea that could warrant a CIB over the last 40 years. Another issue is because whatever Korean event happened, it happened during another qualifying period, so by my reading of the regulation it wouldn't warrant another star, as there were Korean events during the cold war and that was lumped under the Cold War Qualifying Period, not the Korean War Qualifying Period. There is always human error and this is also a VERY, VERY unique case so maybe under this circumstance, a modern Soldier could have a CIB (3rd Award).

FINAL OPTION: "Pants on Fire" - He is a liar, point him out and we will cyber bully him for you.

BONUS OPTION: "TOOL BAG" - He may actually have a CIB and but say toolish things like "I earned my CIB 5 times over" and it is a misunderstanding on your part.

The SADDEST part: the CIB (5th Award) is a really cool looking award, it would be a GOLD CIB, looking just like the CIB (1st Award), but gold. With how the NIA is about the Soldiers that were award the CIB (3rd Award), I doubt there being a 5th eligibility period anytime soon. The CIB (5th Award) design was also submitted to be used as design for the "Master Infantry Badge" https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2016/07/13/nco-pitches-a-new-award-for-grunts-who-ve-earned-the-cib-and-eib/

If you want to see the names of all CIB (3rd Award) recipients, a quick google search will get you that information, there are only a few hundred.

NCO pitches a new award for grunts who've earned the CIB and EIB

Sgt. Robert Flak wants to make sure infantrymen and Special Forces soldiers get the recognition they deserve.

Response by CPL Marcellus Jordan made May 18 at 2022 8:40 PM

2022-05-18T20:40:32-04:00

Wow? 4-5 times? I have seen 2 and if I'm not mistaken possibly 3 but never have I seen that many? Also question for the higher ups. I see that Vietnam, WWII etc were mentioned so what about a soldier who served say 1987-2007? They would have had the opportunity to see Panama, Desert Storm, Somalia and other arenas where "I HEARD" not personally seen that CIB's were awarded? I know it sounds like a lost 1 this is lost three are you lost 2 question but I am curious to know?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2022 11:07 PM

2022-05-18T23:07:19-04:00

No. 3rd award yes but on around 324 Infantryman have received this Honor.

Response by COL Don Hall made May 22 at 2022 5:59 PM

2022-05-22T17:59:12-04:00

Only 325 people earned the CIB three times as of the Vietnam War. So, if he wasn't one of them, he can't have a fourth or fifth award.

https://www.army.mil/article/90516/cib_exhibit_unveiled_at_museum#:~:text=Of%20the%20hundreds%20of%20thousands,at%20the%20National%20Infantry%20Museum.

And only two Medics earned the CMB three times as of Vietnam, and both of them are dead.

https://achh.army.mil/regiment/heraldic-triple

The United States Army | Page not found

Response by SPC Paul Vaneizenga made May 23 at 2022 12:41 PM

2022-05-23T12:41:17-04:00

Does this generate sand in your clam?

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made May 23 at 2022 10:24 PM

2022-05-23T22:24:10-04:00

I don't think that's how the CIB is earned, or awarded, but I could be wrong

Response by CPL Pius D Waldman made Jul 1 at 2022 12:30 PM

2022-07-01T12:30:57-04:00

Not possible due to length of time.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2022 10:46 PM

2022-07-03T22:46:46-04:00

You can find all the multiple CIBs awarded at the National Infantry museum. And the answer is no.

Response by CSM William Payne made Aug 3 at 2022 8:32 PM

2022-08-03T20:32:41-04:00

I saw an individual sitting behind a table at a gun show once that was all dressed out in all the required veteran’s regalia, to include a CIB with two stars. I knew he wasn’t old enough to serve in Korea, he barely looked old enough to have served in Vietnam, so I asked him about his service. I don’t remember when he acquired the first award, but when he said he received a second from Iraq and a third from Afghanistan. This led to a heated discussion about that he could only earn one during the War on Terror period. He just kept insisting that I was incorrect and that Iraq and Afghanistan were two different conflicts . . . I moved on.

Response by SSG Lincoln Briggs made Sep 3 at 2022 1:33 PM

2022-09-03T13:33:13-04:00

Sounds like many others have answered your question… but I have a unique story to share.

I deployed to Afghanistan ‘04-‘05 and received my CIB for my first firefight. Now, ended up in many direct combat situations and firefights… but only awarded the CIB once. Well, here is where the story gets interesting… upon returning home and before shipping off to Iraq we, about 12 of us, found out that our CIB’s were retracted because they weren’t signed off by the right ranking officer. It did piss a lot of us off… but whatever- after you’ve seen combat you don’t give as much of a fuck about an award. So… off to Iraq ‘06-‘07 and sure enough got into many more combat situations and was awarded my CIB for a second time and this time it was signed by the right ranking officer. Move forward about 3 years and I’m out of the military in ‘10… then about ‘12 I get a phone call from a buddy telling me he just found out our Afghanistan awards have been signed by the right ranking officer and reinstated. So, although I haven’t seen the change directly … I can only assume my Iraq CIB was then voided and the Afghanistan CIB took its place… regardless my DD214 says Combat Infantryman’s Badge anyhow… but just a unique story I thought I’d share because tech. I was awarded the CIB twice for the same combat theater … hope anyone reading this enjoyed the story

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2022 8:31 PM

2022-10-02T20:31:59-04:00

The National Infantry Museum has a display with a list of names of all third time CIB recipients. His name is not on it.

Response by SGM Ronald Cheatom made Jan 21 at 2024 5:39 PM

2024-01-21T17:39:36-05:00

Let us not forget Grenada and Somalia

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2024 10:19 AM

2024-03-07T10:19:54-05:00

And he was a scout sniper sf ranger seal.
I must have meet every navy seal at gunshow over the years. Funny how there are never any cooks or mechanics.