RETROACTIVE Combat Action Ribbon
ELIGIBILITY FOR NAVAL
VETERANS FROM 1941 TO 1961 ANNOUNCED
Navy and Marine Corps veterans who served in combat in or
after World War II are now eligible to receive the Combat Action
Ribbon (CAR). Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig has recently
authorized this award for those who served in combat, but never
received their CAR.
"At a time when we are focusing on the contributions of
these great Americans, this seems especially fitting," said
Danzig.
In order to be eligible for the CAR, veterans must have
participated in ground or surface combat after Dec. 6, 1941, but
before March 1, 1961, and cannot already have been recognized
for the same participation.
Under Public Law 106-65, Danzig can award the CAR to veterans
retroactively. The time period required for submission is being
waived in all cases. Two blocks of time have been designated by
Danzig for eligibility of the CAR; World War II: Dec. 7, 1941 -
April 14, 1946, and Korea: June 27, 1950 - July 27, 1954.
Navy Veterans who served during these periods may write
directly to the Navy Awards Branch for settlement at:
Chief of Naval Operations (N09B33)
2000 Navy Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20350-2000
The following information must be provided:
Standard Form 180 or cover letter with the following
information: full name, social security number, service number
(if applicable), period of eligibility, unit assigned at the
time, and mailing address.
Copy of Naval Personnel Form 553 or Defense Department (DD)
Form 214; DD-215 (if applicable).
Additional substantiating documentation (optional): copies of
combat awards; copies of evaluations; muster sheets or orders
showing assignment to the unit for the period requested.
A special section will handle these requests, but no other
awards may be requested in conjunction with the CAR. Only CAR
requests dated after March 15, 2000, and in accordance with the
prescribed guidance will be forwarded to the board for decision.
Any prior requests must be resubmitted.
If a veteran cannot provide the required documentation, a
request for personal record information must be submitted to the
St. Louis Records Center before submitting the request to the
Navy Awards Board.
If a veteran desires to address a different period of time, a
request to review the period may be sent, with substantiating
documentation, to the Navy Board of Decorations and Medals at
the above address.
