WW2 US ARMY CIB STERLING COMBAT INFANTRY BADGE WITH FLAT BRASS CLUTCHES

This is an American WWII Army CIB Combat Infantry First Award Badge. 

Mark: Sterling

Size: 3 inches wide

2 x 1942 flat brass clutch backs

The back has been etched with the soldiers initials - R. C. 

The Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) is awarded to soldiers with the rank of colonel or below with an Infantry or Special Forces specialty, who were personally present under enemy fire while serving in a unit of brigade size or smaller, actively engaged in active ground combat with the enemy during any period after 6 December 1941. 

The badge was approved on 7 October 1943, primarily to recognize the sacrifice of infantrymen who were disproportionately killed or wounded during World War II.

The Combat Infantry Badge is a bar in blue, the color associated with the Infantry branch, with a silver border and an elliptical oak wreath. The silver musket is adapted from the infantry insignia and represents the first official shoulder weapon of the U.S. - Springfield Arsenal model 1795 musket, and was adopted as the official infantry branch insignia in 1924. The oak symbolizes steadfastness, strength and loyalty.