Is there a way to receive a Combat Action Ribbon for actions during military service after you've been discharged?

Cpl Cailen Dixon, M.Ed. — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:45:30 -0500

On my first deployment, many of us in my unit saw combat but were not awarded a Combat Action Ribbon. This was partly due to the process in place for receiving the award, and also because of lackadaisical and apathetic leadership. During this time, the requirements for receiving the CAR was to receive and return fire, which we did. In many instances, Marines who were involved in the same engagements as others who received the award, did not receive the award themselves. Is there any way to petition for a CAR after service, or am I out of luck?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2020 4:16 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 16:16:42 -0500

There is in the Army, I've helped several soldiers get their CAB after they left the service.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2020 4:21 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 16:21:41 -0500

The instructions to submit a retroactive CAR are here.
https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/895299/revised-eligibility-criteria-for-award-of-the-combat-action-ribbon-car-and-upda/

REVISED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR AWARD OF THE COMBAT ACTION RIBBON (CAR) AND UPDATED...

R 171515Z JAN 13UNCLASSIFIED/MARADMIN 038/13MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MM//SUBJ/REVISED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR AWARD OF THE COMBAT ACTION RIBBON (CAR) AND UPDATED COORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS//REF/A/MSGID:MSG/SECNAV/151534Z NOV,

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Jan 10 at 2020 6:55 PM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 18:55:17 -0500

The Navy definitely has a procedure in place.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Jan 11 at 2020 12:14 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 00:14:53 -0500

You can file a request with the Board for Correction of Military Records. (Look them up on the net.) They will ask you present some form of proof of your entitlement. (ie. Documentation your unit was in combat, buddy statements etc.) I am not familiar with procedure for awarding the CAR but bear in mind it might be a "You have to be recommended for it" award like the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal rather than a "I checked the box and therefore I am entitled to it" award like the Iraq Campaign Medal. If you have to be recommended for it by your unit commander and he didin't - well, you are out of luck. Good luck!

Response by Sgt Kenneth Garthee made Dec 28 at 2022 9:20 PM

Sgt Kenneth Garthee — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 21:20:46 -0500

Appeal to the military awards office in Missouri. Have them review your ribbons and awards and give you a DD215.