Marines Recognize New Kind of Fighting
Standards for awarding Combat Action Ribbons are revised to honor those who come under fire from roadside bombs and mortars.
By Tony Perry, Times Staff Writer
July 24, 2006

SAN DIEGO — To the outside world, it may seem but a bit of brightly colored ribbon. But to Marines, the Combat Action Ribbon is greatly prized as proof they were in the fight, rather than in the rear with the gear.

"It's a badge of honor," said attorney Paul Geitner, a former Marine. "A Marine can wear it on his chest, and he doesn't have to say a thing. The ribbon says it all."

http://tinyurl.com/kgn7j

Never got one....they did a similar (retroactive) deal for Somalia vets and I more than met the qualifications...but by that time several years had passed and I couldn't remember or locate an officer to substantiate my claim. Sucks being an attachment.

So if i was with a STA platoon in Somalia at that time and now i'm out of the Marines. I would have to find an officer who could substantiate my claim and submit that to NAVPERS???

yeah, thats the way it works. Its all on you to back up your request for insertion into your records. sucks huh?