The Combat Medical Badge — awarded to combat medics who provide medical care under hostile fire. The medic's equivalent of the CIB, recognizing those who risk their lives to save others in active ground combat.
The Combat Medical Badge was established in March 1945 to recognize the unique sacrifices of medical personnel who provide care under hostile fire. It is the medical equivalent of the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB).
Eligibility requires holding a medical MOS — primarily 68W (Combat Medic Specialist) — and being assigned or attached to an infantry, ranger, or Special Forces unit of brigade size or smaller engaged in active ground combat.
Medical officers (surgeons, physicians, physician assistants) serving with qualifying units are also eligible. The Soldier must be performing medical duties at the time of the combat engagement.
The core requirement for the CMB is performing medical duties while personally present and under hostile fire during active ground combat. Simply being present in a combat zone is not sufficient — the medic must be actively providing care.
The medic must be engaged in treating casualties, performing triage, or evacuating wounded under direct or indirect enemy fire. The emphasis is on the medical action — a medic who only returns fire without treating patients does not meet the criteria.
Combat engagements include firefights, ambushes, IED attacks, mortar/rocket attacks, and any ground combat situation where the medic treats wounded while under hostile fire.
Award processing begins with a commander's recommendation through the chain of command. The recommendation must be supported by evidence establishing the Soldier's presence in combat while performing medical duties under hostile fire.
Documentation typically includes sworn witness statements, after-action reports, medical treatment records, TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) cards, and SIGACT (Significant Activity) reports confirming the engagement.
The CMB can be awarded retroactively with sufficient documentation. Multiple awards (up to 3) are denoted by superimposed stars on the wreath, with each star representing a qualifying conflict.
The CMB was created in March 1945 to recognize combat medics who served under fire during WWII. It was retroactive to December 6, 1941, covering all World War II combat operations. The badge gave medical personnel the same recognition infantrymen received with the CIB (established 1943).
Korean War medics faced brutal conditions. At the Chosin Reservoir, medics treated casualties at -35°F — morphine froze in syringes, plasma froze in bottles, and bandages turned rigid. Combat medics performed their duties under Chinese human wave attacks.
Vietnam medics — universally called "Doc" — were deliberately targeted by enemy forces to demoralize units. The NVA and VC specifically aimed for medics to deny medical care to wounded Americans. Despite this, medics repeatedly exposed themselves to save their brothers.
The Global War on Terror transformed combat medicine. IED blast injuries created complex polytrauma that demanded advanced battlefield care. Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) became the standard, and combat medics became some of the most highly trained Soldiers in the Army.
The Combat Medical Badge has been awarded across every major conflict since WWII. Unlike school courses, there is no class schedule — the CMB is earned in combat. Source: U.S. Army Human Resources Command.
| Conflict | Period | Theater | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| World War II | 1941 – 1945 | ETO / PTO / MTO / CBI | 1st Award |
| Korean War | 1950 – 1953 | Korean Peninsula | 2nd Award |
| Vietnam War | 1955 – 1975 | Republic of Vietnam | 3rd Award |
| GWOT | 2001 – Present | Afghanistan / Iraq / Global | Current |
The CMB isn't earned in a classroom. It's earned by medics who run toward the fire while everyone else takes cover. No training event. No graduation. Just combat.
Every question about the Combat Medical Badge has an answer. We built a resource for each one.
Understand exactly what combat medical actions qualify for the CMB. Not every engagement counts — specific criteria must be met for the medic and the engagement.
68W is the primary qualifying MOS, but medical officers, flight medics, and Special Operations medics (18D) may also qualify. Know the full eligibility list.
The CMB recognizes combat medical action under fire. The EFMB tests medical skills in a non-combat evaluation. Both are prestigious — but earned differently.
DA Form 638, witness statements, SIGACT reports, medical treatment logs. Know exactly what documentation your recommendation needs to succeed.
Up to 3 CMBs can be awarded — one per qualifying conflict. Second and third awards are marked by superimposed stars on the wreath. Know the rules.
From WWII beach landings to GWOT IED strikes, the CMB has been awarded across every major conflict since 1945. Understand the badge's heritage and legacy.
Key Takeaway: The CMB is not earned through training or testing — it is earned in combat. The medic must hold a qualifying medical MOS, be assigned to a qualifying unit, and perform medical duties while personally present and under hostile fire. Documentation is critical — many deserving medics miss the award due to incomplete packets.
Combat Medic Creed
I am a Combat Medic. I am the eyes and ears of the physician on the battlefield. I am a Soldier first and a medical provider always.
I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am a Combat Medic, trained to save lives on the battlefield. I serve in the proud tradition of those who have gone before me — from the beaches of Normandy, to the frozen hills of Korea, to the jungles of Vietnam, to the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan.
I will not fail those who depend on me. I am a guardian of life, a servant of the wounded, and a beacon of hope in the darkest hour.
Eligibility updates, historical features, gear drops, and tips from CMB holders — straight to your inbox. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.