Balme Combat Infantryman Badge 2nd award CIB Airborne J. Balme France in wrapper

Description

Balme Combat Infantryman Badge 2nd award CIB Airborne J. Balme France in wrapper
very rare
clutch back ,in original packaging
nicely hall marked
perfect condition
bag 23B
rare Balme version of the CIB or US Army
Combat Infantryman Badge; second award
the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) is awarded for participation in Infantry ground combat against a hostile enemy force
The  CIB was first authorized during World War II (1943- see below)  and continue to this day as one of the most prestigious awards a soldier can earn.  The CIB signifies that an INFANTRYMAN or Special Forces Soldier has been in actual combat against a hostile enemy force.   The  CIB is worn above all other badges and ribbons on the Army uniform.  This one is hallmarked J. Balme FRANCE.
This CIB is a very rare French made by Balme badge.They are no longer made or available in most cases. Balme made some absolutely exquisite military badges, wings and insignia to include US  Army Parachute Jump Wings, Combat and Expert Infantryman Badges, Air Assault Wings and USAF Flight Wings.
In 1943 Army Chief of Staff, George C. Marshall initiated the development of an award to honor the U.S. Army Infantryman. The Office of Heraldic Activity of the Quartermaster General began work on designing a badge that would represent the U.S. Infantry's tough, hard hitting role in combat and symbolize proficiency in the Infantry skills.
The CIB  are only awarded to U.S. Army personnel who hold Infantry or Special Forces military occupational specialties (MOS). To be awarded the  expert infantry badge , the service member must complete a testing phase which is the culmination of weeks of training, leading to a final evaluation period. The EIB test is administered on the average once per year with pass rates usually averaging less than 10 percent, depending on the unit conducting testing. The CIB as stated above is awarded for actually being in combat against a hostile force.
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item location bag #  23B