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| THE COMBAT MEDIC BADGE
The Medical Corps insignia of branch, modified by the addition of a Greek cross suggesting the Geneva Convention between the wings and the entwined serpents, signifies the recipient's skills and expertise. It is superimposed upon a stretcher alluding to medical field service. The oak symbolizes steadfastness, strength and loyalty. Awarded to members of the Army Medical Department, Naval Medical Department, Air Force Medical Service or Special Forces Medical Sergeant who are in the grade of Colonel or below while assigned or attached to a medical unit of company or smaller size organic to an infantry/special forces unit during any period the unit was engaged in active ground combat subsequent to 6 December 1941. Only one award is authorized for service in Vietnam, Laos, the Dominican Republic, Korea (subsequent to 4 January 1969), El Salvador, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia and Somalia, regardless of whether an individual has served in one or more of these areas. Specific eligibility requirements by geographic area are listed in Army Regulation 600-8-22. The Combat Medical Badge was approved on 29 January 1945. In February 1951, the proposal to designate the badge as a one-time award was rescinded and it was approved for subsequent award during specified periods. The addition of stars to indicate subsequent awards was also approved. There is a war somewhere and I have to go! Not armed nor leading, just following the path of death from afar old, and 'back home'. Late at night thinking, and alone. Mostly I think of 'Doc'! The guy who fought for life! The guy who had to remove his glasses when we pushed into the unknown 'bush'. who gave and gave to save the wounded and the brave. Just Doc! the very bravest of us all. The Corpsman, the Medic.. always standing tall ! Copyright © 2001 RedC The Combat Medic was the first to give aid to 303,704 men wounded in action and was there "as a brother" at the last moment of life for many of the of the 58,178 that died .Most of the over 300,000 men are home today because of the Combat Medic. The Combat Medic's Badge signifys that this person served for at least sixty days in the Medical Corps in combat, i.e., in the line of enemy fire. To have earned this honor and survived is a truly rare and heroic feat. The men who wear this badge today displayed exceptional skill, courage, and honor when called upon to protect their country. |
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| COMBAT MEDIC |
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| This page is dedicated to my Dad who was a Medic in the Korean War, and to all the other Medics that put their lives on the line. |
