What is this pin?

justdoit19

justdoit19

Proud parent of an ANG, USNA X2, and a MidSib
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I’m cleaning. My PFC Great Uncle, who died in European Theater Operations, March 1945, was awarded the Purple Heart 💜. I know what that is.

Going through the stuff, I came across this pin. Anyone know what it is?IMG_8347.jpeg
 
THParent said:
It's upside down, but that appears to be a Combat Infantryman Badge.
He would have received that for participating in active ground combat.
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Didn’t mean any disrespect at all, the whole picture loaded upside down and can’t edit it.

So would it be worn on his uniform?

TY @Devil Doc
 
justdoit19 said:
Didn’t mean any disrespect at all, the whole picture loaded upside down and can’t edit it.

So would it be worn on his uniform?

TY @Devil Doc
Click to expand...
Yes it would be - earned by Army infantry personnel for active engagement in ground combat.

"The present war has demonstrated the importance of highly-proficient, tough, hard, and aggressive infantry, which can be obtained only by developing a high degree of individual all-around proficiency on the part of every infantryman. As a means of attaining the high standards desired and to foster esprit de corps in infantry units; the Expert Infantryman and the Combat Infantryman badges are established for infantry personnel." - Grounds for the creation of the CIB during WW2 to boost morale amongst the infantrymen and recruit more soldiers.
 
Iwutke said:
That is a Kentucky rifle.
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Would everyone have the same pin that earned it? Or is this one unique to a certain area? He was from TN.

His Purple Heart was awarded posthumously.

It’s pretty emotional and surreal. I’m cleaning/organizing a room that has been a catch all for a few years. Finally getting through my 2 USNA guys’ high school stuff, etc. I’ve gone through and boxed up their USNA stuff, as well: plebe summer stuff. Summer seminar stuff. Application stuff.

On one hand I’m going through my great uncles military things/memories/certificates from KIA fighting a war in 1945. On the other, my own boys’ military things, just starting their military career. What’s different world it is. I feel like I’m in a time warp. Very strange.
 
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justdoit19 said:
Would everyone have the same pin that earned it? Or is this one unique to a certain area? He was from TN.

His Purple Heart was awarded posthumously.

It’s pretty emotional and surreal. I’m cleaning/organizing a room that has been a catch all for a few years. Finally getting through my 2 USNA guys’ high school stuff, etc. I’ve gone through and boxed up their USNA stuff, as well: plebe summer stuff. Summer seminar stuff. Application stuff.

On one hand I’m going through my great uncles military things/memories/certificates from KIA fighting a war in 1945. On the other, my own boys’ military things, just starting their military career. What’s different world it is. I feel like I’m in a time warp. Very strange.
Click to expand...
If they engaged in combat in the theater of operations your Uncle would have earned the CIB. He was awarded his Purple Heart for his sacrifice. Marine Corps and Navy personnel are awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, CAR for the same. Infantry guys wear their CIB with pride. Those not infantry, yet engaged in combat actions are awarded the Combat Action Badge, or CAB and wear theirs with the same pride. Much respect to your Uncle, part of the Greatest Generation. A little more research and you can find the theater of operation, for which he earned his CIB and the engagement for his Purple Heart.
 
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