The Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) is a personal military decoration of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps, and which is awarded to those who, in any grade including and below that of a Captain in the Navy (or Colonel in the Marine Corps), have actively participated in ground or surface combat. The Combat Action Ribbon is also awarded to members of the United States Coast Guard when operating under the control of the Navy.
The Combat Action Ribbon was first created in February 1969 with SECNAVNOTE 1650[1] with retroactive presentation to March 01, 1961. However on October 5, 1999, by Presidential Order of Bill Clinton and under Public Law 106-65, the retroactive effective date of the Combat Action Ribbon was changed to December 07, 1941 which was the entry date of the United States of America into the Second World War.
To be awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, the individual must have rendered satisfactory performance under enemy fire while actively participating in a ground or surface engagement.
Retroactive awards of the Combat Action Ribbon, for retired, deceased, or discharged personnel, are handled by the Navy Liaison Officer to the National Personnel Records Center.
Additional decorations of the Combat Action Ribbon are denoted by gold and silver award stars.
Authorized operations
While any eligible sailor or Marine may receive the ribbon, SECNAVINST 1650.1H lists several units and operations whose members or participants are authorized to wear it, including:
Operation Enduring Freedom, Personnel in direct combat and support roles. - Only one award of the CAR is authorized per operation, regardless of deployment times, and eligible combat actions.
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Personnel in direct combat and support roles. - Only one award of the CAR is authorized per operation, regardless of deployment times, and eligible combat actions.