Custerman: Combat Medics Badge was from Mar. 3 '45. During both the war in ETOand the war in the PTO. I cant recall seeing a officer or enlisted man wearing a EIB
during or immediately after wars end in ETO. I feel it was well past time when the Combat Medics Badge was issued and should have been done the same time as the
CIB was authorized. in late '43. CIB was authorized for officers rank up to Col. during ww2 and possibly no changes in other wars/conflicts since.
Joe; I was awarded the C.I.B. in either the spring or summer of '43. We (135th)
had just come down off the mtns. Watson you saw my pic. standing in front
of a straw stack mud all over the place including me. During the day I was
notified that I was going to get an award. So the Lt. handed me the C.I.B.
and I asked him,"What the hell is this?). He said it just came out and means
you are in combat and try to clean up because you are getting another award.
So I pinned the C.I.B. and that afternoon I got the Bronze Star. So about all
of the medals I have, the COMBAT INFANTRY BADGE is my MOST prized
possesion. So the thing is People can talk about how it came about or
is it the same as the EIB. In my book there is no comparison. This is my
thought right or wrong. How about it Joe,Watson, Kyle I haven't forgotten
you. You know our reunion is the first weekend of Sept. AWOL maye,HUH.
Rocky.
Incidently when did the EIB appear?. I have never seen one.