Is the CIB retroactive to WWII veterans (either still living or deceased)?

LT Michael Watson — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 15:19:15 -0400

Pardon the question from a former Navy Officer, but my father served in WWII as an Infantryman in the 38th ID, and saw combat in the Philippines and elsewhere. Does the CIB go retroactive to his service time?

Response by SPC Gary Welch made Sep 13 at 2018 3:32 PM

SPC Gary Welch — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 15:32:23 -0400

The regs may have changed over the years but if you can find any of his discharge paperwork showing where he served and in what unit you can submit that to department of the army and they should be able to find out something for you. The CIB was a fairly new award during that time.

Response by SPC Gary Welch made Sep 13 at 2018 3:42 PM

SPC Gary Welch — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 15:42:15 -0400

The CIB wasn't established until Nov of 43 but it is retroactive back to 6 dec 41 so as long as he was infantry assigned to a infantry unit engaged in active combat he qualifies for it I hope this helps earned my CIB desert storm

Response by SPC Gary Welch made Sep 13 at 2018 3:55 PM

SPC Gary Welch — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 15:55:08 -0400

Did some poking around for you sir go to http://www.campgordonjohnston.com that is the 38th infantry museum and association they may be able to help

Camp Gordon Johnston – Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum Carrabelle FL

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum Carrabelle FL

Response by SFC James Johnson made Sep 15 at 2018 12:47 PM

SFC James Johnson — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 12:47:51 -0400

It would be hard now since most of the records in the National Archives were destroyed in a fire. If you have any of your Fathers papers or award orders you could submit it all to the US Army for their review. I would recommend you work through your County Veterans Service Officer.
Additionally, all soldiers who were awarded the Combat Infantry Badge during WWII were upgraded to the Bronze Star Medal

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 15 at 2018 9:48 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 21:48:25 -0400

Do only is it retroactive to 12/6/41, but also it was passed 20+ years ago, that if you were Infantry and had been awarded the CIB, you were also award the BSM.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 24 at 2019 3:30 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 15:30:41 -0400

No. Soldiers during that time period received Bronze Stars instead of CIB's.