What Is the Combat Action Ribbon?

Formerly residing in Maryland, Anthony Wright served as a principal analyst with Virginia-based Modern Technology Solutions and led a $100 million project for the U.S. Navy. Before, he served as a senior group manager with Ausley Associates in Maryland. Anthony Wright is a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot whose honors include a Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) earned in an Afghan wheat field.

CAR is bestowed upon Navy, Coast Guard (when under Navy control), and Marine Corps personnel who have engaged in surface or ground combat. The term “ground or surface combat” dictates that Air Force members, Naval Aviators, and Naval Flight Officers customarily do not qualify for the award. Those merely present in the combat firefight area or wounded in action and awarded the Purple Heart also do not qualify for this award.

The member must have taken an active part in the surface or ground firefight and under enemy fire, and the performance during the firefight had to have been satisfactory. During the combat, the personnel’s grade must be colonel, naval captain, or junior rank.