Jim,
"Here is what Circular 286-1944 says regarding the eligibility requirements for the CIB according to the US Army Board for Corrections of Military Records."
This particular action by Company A, 803rd Engineer occurred early in 1942. WD Circular 186 does not apply to the unit. WD Circular 269, dated 27 October 1943 applies.
3. Combat Infantryman badge.---Infantryman, including officers, establish
eligibility to wear the Combat Infantryman badge by ---
a. Exemplary conduct in action against the enemy, or
b. By satisfactory performance of duty in action against the enemy in a
major operation as determined and announced by the theater commander.
“during World War II, the CIB was normally awarded only to enlisted
individuals who served in the following positions: Light machine gunner
(604); Heavy machine gunner (605); Platoon sergeant (651); Squad leader
(653); Rifleman (745); Automatic rifleman (746); Heavy weapons NCO
(812); and Gun crewman (864).”
Your assumption may be accurate, but the requirement for MOS of an infantryman was not listed until the 1960’s. Records reveal even during the Vietnam War, there were personnel awarded the CIB without the MOS you identified.
The time period of 65 years is irrelevant to WWII veterans that have finally “opened up” to share their hardships to those concerned of the injustice.
Are you saying the Army Board for Correction of Military Record (Sole authority to award the CIB) made a mistake? The presentation described below represents hundreds [if not thousands] of like awards to WWII veterans.
Robert
Robert,
You are mistaken. The requirement for the Infantry MOS listed above was included in Army Circular 186-1944.
Jim