Combat Infantryman Badges (CIBs) hold a rich tradition within military history, representing soldiers' immense courage and commitment. For those in the United States Army, earning a Combat Infantryman Badge is a distinctive honor bestowed only upon infantrymen who have met stringent requirements. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Combat Infantryman Badge, including its history, the criteria for earning one, the significance of various levels (such as the Master Combat Infantryman Badge), and some of its famous recipients.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a military professional, or just curious about the storied legacy of the CIB, you'll find everything you need to know here.
What Is a Combat Infantryman Badge?
The Combat Infantryman Badge is an award designed to recognize infantrymen who actively engage in ground combat. Established during World War II, this badge signified soldiers' frontline efforts and distinguished them from their non-combat counterparts. The badge is integral to U.S. Army traditions and remains one of the most coveted recognitions for infantry soldiers.
The badge consists of a silver rifle superimposed on a blue rectangle with a silver border, symbolizing the combat rifleman’s role in American military history.
Combat Infantryman Badge History
The Combat Infantryman Badge was created on October 27, 1943, during World War II. Its purpose was to acknowledge infantry soldiers who operated under enemy fire on the frontlines. Lt. Gen. Lesley J. McNair, an advocate for recognizing the efforts of infantrymen, was pivotal in integrating the badge into Army awards.
As the Army ground forces commander in the European theater, he recognized that morale for infantry units could sometimes hit low points because of the rigors and difficulty of their missions. To help improve morale, he created the CIB to help recognize soldiers who were doing the actual fighting and enemy engagement.
Since its inception, the badge has symbolized not only recognition but also sacrifice, as infantry soldiers endured some of the most harrowing conditions on battlefields, from World War II to Vietnam and modern conflicts.
Combat Infantryman Badge Requirements
To earn a Combat Infantryman Badge, soldiers must meet specific and rigorous criteria. The following are the requirements directly pulled from the Army’s website.
Personnel Eligible:
For award of the CIB, a soldier must meet the following three requirements:
(1)Â Be an infantry soldier satisfactorily performing infantry duties.
(a) A soldier must be an Army infantry or Special Forces (SF) officer (career management field or AOC 11 or 18) in the grade of colonel/O–6 or below or an Army enlisted soldier or warrant officer with an infantry or SF MOS who, subsequent to 6 December 1941, has satisfactorily performed duty while assigned or attached as a member of an infantry, ranger, or SF unit of either a brigade, regimental, or smaller size during any period such unit was engaged in active ground combat.
(b) Eligibility for SF personnel in MOSs 18B, 18C, 18E, 18F, and 18Z (less 18D–SF medical sergeant) accrues from 20 December 1989. Retroactive awards of the CIB to SF personnel are not authorized prior to 20 December 1989.
(2)Â Be assigned to an infantry unit during such time as the unit is engaged in active ground combat.
(a)Â A recipient must be personally present and under hostile fire while serving in an assigned infantry or SF primary duty in a unit actively engaged in ground combat with the enemy. The unit in question must be a brigade, regiment, or smaller size. For example, personnel possessing an infantry MOS in a rifle squad of a cavalry platoon in a cavalry troop would be eligible for award of the CIB. Battle or CPC alone is not sufficient. The unit must have been in active ground combat with the enemy during the period.
(b) Personnel with other than an infantry or SF MOS are not eligible, regardless of the circumstances. The infantry or SF CMF, AOC, or MOS does not necessarily have to be the Soldier’s primary specialty, as long as the Soldier has been properly trained in infantry or SF tactics, possesses the appropriate skill code, and is serving in that specialty when engaged in active ground combat as described above. Commanders are not authorized to make any exceptions to this policy.
(c)Â Awards will not be made to general officers or to members of headquarters companies of units larger in size than brigade.
(3)Â Actively participate in such ground combat. Campaign or battle credit alone is not sufficient for award of the CIB.
List of Combat Infantryman Badge Recipients
While a complete list of all Combat Infantryman Badge recipients does not publicly exist, numerous high-profile soldiers and veterans have earned this honor. From World War II heroes through the Vietnam era and into modern conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, those who hold the badge stand among the bravest in U.S. Army history.
1st Lt. Audie Murphy
Audie Murphy who is considered one of the most decorated soldiers from World War II was awarded the coveted Combat Infantryman Badge with the issuance of Special Orders Number 39, dated May 8, 1944. Murphy also received a battlefield commission and after the war went on to become an actor and he appeared in several movies. He not only earned the CIB, but also the Medal of Honor. He was responsible for killing more than 240 enemy soldiers. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe
Cashe served as platoon sergeant with Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq. On October 17, 2005, while on a nighttime mounted patrol near an enemy-laden village, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle which Cashe was commanding was attacked by enemy small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device, which disabled the vehicle and engulfed it in flames. After extracting himself from the vehicle, Cashe set about extracting the driver, who was trapped in the vehicle. After opening the driver’s hatch, Cashe and a fellow soldier extracted the driver, who was engulfed in the flames. During the course of extinguishing the flames on the driver and extracting him from the vehicle, Cashe’s fuel-soaked uniform, ignited and caused severe burns to his body.
Ignoring his wounds, Cashe then moved to the rear of the vehicle to continue in aiding his fellow soldiers who were trapped in the troop compartment. At this time, the enemy noted his movements and began to direct their fire on his position. When another element of the company engaged the enemy, Cashe seized the opportunity and moved into the open troop door and aided four of his soldiers in escaping the burning vehicle. Having extracted the four soldiers, Cashe noticed two other soldiers had not been accounted for and again he entered the vehicle to retrieve them. Despite the severe second-and third-degree burns covering the majority of his body, Cashe persevered through the pain to encourage his fellow soldiers and ensure they received needed medical care. When medical evacuation helicopters began to arrive, Cashe selflessly refused evacuation until all of the other wounded soldiers were evacuated first. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions and he had earned the Expert Infantryman Badge prior to the action. He was also eligible for the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Spec. Salvatore A. Giunta
Giunta distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, on October 25, 2007. While conducting a patrol as team leader with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, Giunta and his team were navigating through harsh terrain when they were ambushed by a well-armed and well-coordinated insurgent force.Â
While under heavy enemy fire, Giunta immediately sprinted towards cover and engaged the enemy. Seeing that his squad leader had fallen and believing that he had been injured, Giunta exposed himself to withering enemy fire and raced towards his squad leader, helped him to cover, and administered medical aid. While administering first aid, enemy fire struck Giunta’s body armor and his secondary weapon. Without regard to the ongoing fire, Giunta engaged the enemy before prepping and throwing grenades, using the explosions for cover in order to conceal his position. Attempting to reach additional wounded fellow soldiers who were separated from the squad, Giunta and his team encountered a barrage of enemy fire that forced them to the ground.
The team continued forward and upon reaching the wounded soldiers, Giunta realized that another soldier was still separated from the element. Giunta then advanced forward on his own initiative. As he crested the top of a hill, he observed two insurgents carrying away an American soldier. He immediately engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other. Upon reaching the wounded soldier, he began to provide medical aid, as his squad caught up and provided security. Giunta’s unwavering courage, selflessness, and decisive leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his platoon’s ability to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American soldier from the enemy. Giunta was presented the Medal of Honor for his actions and he also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge during his war service.
Master Combat Infantryman Badge
U.S. Army soldiers who have earned the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB) and the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) in 2025 became eligible to wear the Army’s new Master Combat Infantryman Badge which combines the expert and combat badges and shows that soldiers are not just trained and expert infantrymen, but that they have combat service as an infantryman as well. In the past, U.S. Army soldiers have been limited to wearing only one of the badges at a time, either the EIB or the CIB. Most, naturally, opted to wear the combat badge, but the new Master Combat Infantryman Badge provides recognition for soldiers who have earned both the EIB and CIB.
Combat Infantryman Badge Next Lower
The Army has associated medals and awards that are "next lower" to the CIB in terms of prestige. For example, the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB) is earned by infantry soldiers who display tactical skills and knowledge in non-combat conditions and perform a series of grueling events which show their infantry proficiency.Â
Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award
The "1st award" commonly refers to the first time a soldier earns the Combat Infantryman Badge during their service. This distinction is often tied to a specific mission or war campaign. This award is known as the CIB. The badge has a blue rectangle with a musket atop the blue field. There is a wreath in the background.
Combat Infantryman Badge With Star
Additional stars on a Combat Infantryman Badge signify multiple awards. A star denotes a soldier’s participation in multiple campaigns. For example, soldiers who qualify in multiple wars, such as World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, may have a star or two stars above their badge.
Triple Combat Infantryman Badge
Earning the Triple Combat Infantryman Badge is an extraordinary achievement. That means that the recipients have earned the CIB in three different conflicts, a rare feat that highlights their extensive experience in combat zones and remarkable dedication to service.
Of the hundreds of thousands of infantrymen who fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, only 325 were awarded the third award of the Combat Infantryman's Badge, known informally as the Triple CIB. For infantrymen, the Triple CIB is the most prestigious combat badge in the U.S. Army and one that is among the least presented.
List of Triple Combat Infantryman Badge Recipients
Only a handful of individuals become recipients of the rare Triple Combat Infantryman Badge. These individuals serve as a testament to the courage and endurance it takes to fight across decades and multiple conflicts.
Here is a list of three Triple CIB recipients you should know.
Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Plass
Plass served 33 years on active duty. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1938 and retired in July 1971. His final assignment was with the 197th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized) at Fort Benning. He earned the CIB three times for service in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. The Silver Star recipient died in 2017 still actively involved in volunteering to help Army soldiers.
Command Sgt. Maj. James McDonough
McDonough was a five-time recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and he was also awarded the Combat Infantry Badge three times for service in WWII with the 3rd Infantry Division. As a 19-year-old platoon sergeant, he was awarded his first CIB and Bronze Star.
His next tour of combat was during the Korean War where he fought through three campaigns as a first sergeant with the 7th Infantry Regiment, again with the 3rd Infantry Division, and earned his second award of the CIB and two additional Bronze Star Medals.
In the Vietnam War, he served as Command Sergeant Major with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry and 4th Infantry Divisions where he earned his 3rd award of the CIB. Additionally, he received two Bronze Star Medals, and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters.
McDonough died on September 11, 2018 at the age of 92.
Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Bingham
Bingham was another veteran of three wars (WWII, Korea and Vietnam). He earned a Silver Star, three Bronze Star Medals, three Purple Heart Medals, and various other awards and decorations during his 28 years of active duty with the U.S. Army. He died in 2015.
All three of these men were awarded the CIB with two stars for combat action in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The Triple CIB looks like a regular CIB, except that it has two stars atop the badge sitting on it like a crown over the blue rectangle and musket. The blue badge musket is the original award, and each star represents a subsequent award of the CIB.
Combat Infantryman Badge in Vietnam
The Vietnam War left an indelible mark on American military history. For many soldiers, earning the Combat Infantryman Badge in Vietnam was a defining moment. Battling in dense jungles and remote villages, the CIB symbolized Vietnam veterans' resilience and bravery.
Combat Infantryman Badge Bundeswehr
Interestingly, variations of the badge exist in militaries worldwide. For example, the German Bundeswehr introduced its own version of the Combat Infantryman Badge for its infantry soldiers. This showcases how the concept of honoring infantry service transcends borders.
Combat Infantryman Badge Star
The star on a Combat Infantryman Badge signifies a soldier who has earned multiple CIBs. It is a small symbol with a big testament to a soldier’s dedication and bravery, particularly across different campaigns.
Why the Combat Infantryman Badge Matters
Combat Infantryman Badges are more than just badges; they are legacies. They honor the sacrifice, courage, and duty of those who protect and serve. From history-rich battles of World War II to modern engagements, these badges stand as a profound reminder of what it means to serve on the frontlines.