Combat Action Patch — Embroidered Patch Blooded in Battle The Combat Action Ribbon is the Marine Corps and Navy's recognition that a service member has actively participated in ground or surface combat — the definitive marker that separates those who have been in the fight from those who have not. This patch represents every Marine and sailor who has engaged the enemy in direct combat. The Combat Action Ribbon was established on February 17, 1969, to recognize members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. Unlike awards that require nomination and approval, the CAR is earned through the simple reality of having engaged or been engaged by the enemy in combat. For Marines, the Combat Action Ribbon carries particular weight — it is proof of having been tested in the most fundamental way a warrior can be tested. Whether earned in Vietnam, Beirut, Panama, Desert Storm, Somalia, Iraq, or Afghanistan, the CAR tells the world that its wearer has been where the fighting was and came through the other side. Perfect For: Combat Action Ribbon recipients, Marine combat veterans, Navy combat veterans, ground combat participants, direct action veterans, and combat decoration collectors Engaged the enemy. Proven in combat.
