Class A Uniform
Ribbons and Awards
Individual Awards
American Defence Medal
​
This ribbon was more frequently worn by men who were on active service during National Emergency proceedings, or upon the U.S. entry into World War II. This award was more commonly referred to as the "Before Perl Harbour" Ribbon
Army Good Conduct Medal​
​
Soldiers who wore this ribbon have honourably completed three years of active service on or after June 28 1941, and have been recommended by their commanding officer for exemplary behaviour
Soldier's Medal
​
This Decoration was established in 1926. It was awarded to persons serving in the American Army who have distinguished themselves by heroism not involving actual combat with the enemy
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
​
This was issued to men of the U.S. forces who have been active in these theatres during WWII
Note - Centre Green represents the green fields of Europe, and the brown the sands of African Desert
American Campaign Medal​
​
This Ribbon may be worn by those who have been on active service outside of the continental U.S. during WWII
Note - Black and white stripes for Germany, Red and white for Japan
Infantryman Badges
Toward the end of 1943, in order to recognise the service and hardship of the infantry and to promote enlistments in the army, the War Department established two special awards
​
- The Combat Infantry Badge (CIB), on 11 November 1943
- The Expert Infantryman badge (EIB), on 15 November 1943
​
These were worn above the left hand pocket, above the service ribbons
​
Awards were made by commanders of infantry divisions, regiments, and separate battalions
​
Expert Infantry Badge (EIB)
​
The EIB Was given to officers and listed men of the infantry regiments or separate battalions who had specifically completed proficiency tests in shooting, marching, hand to hand fighting, patrolling, first aid, field hygiene and sanitation, discipline etc.
Combat Infantry Badge (CIB)
​
The CIB brought $5 bonus to a G.I's pay packet. It was awarded to infantrymen (excluding medical personnel and chaplains) who, after 6 December 1641, had engaged in ground combat as members of an infantry unit of regimental or smaller size.
Unit Awards and Citations
Army Distinguished Unit Citation
​
Awarded to U.S. forces, and those of allied countries, for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 December 1941. The unit must display such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions so as to set it apart from and above other units participating in the same campaign.
​
During WWII the 16th Infantry Division was awarded 5 of these Citations
-
Mateur, Tunisia
-
Sicily
-
Normandy
-
Hurtgen Forest
-
Hamich, Germany
Fourragère
​
WORK IN PROGRESS
The fourragère is a military award, distinguishing military units as a whole in the form of a braided cord. The award was first adopted by France, followed by other nations such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, and Luxembourg. Fourragères have been awarded to units of both national and foreign militaries
French Fourragere aux couleurs
​
This award was introduced during the First World War, when the French Ministry of War first awarded the fourragère to units which had been recorded as distinguishing themselves more than once in the Orders of the Army.
​
There were then six fourragères, depending on the numbers of Mentions in Dispatches awarded to the unit
​
Of the six, the 16th were awarded the following
​
Fourragere aux couleurs de la Croix de guerre
​
First awarded to the 16th Infantry Division during WWI.
​
Typically worn on the left shoulder, this version is the Simple, green with red stripes, denoting that the unit had been mention in 2-3 dispatches.
​
This was during the following offences
​
-
Aisne-Marne Offensive
-
Meuse-Argonne Offensives
​
Fourragère aux couleurs du ruban de la médaille militaire
​
Again during WWII the 16th was recognised by the French Government for distinguishing themselves in two more offences
​
-
Battle of Kasserine Pass
-
Battle of Normandy
​
Due to the units actions on D-Day the 16th was among 6 other infantry units awarded the French Médaille militaire (a military decoration of the French Republic for meritorious service and acts of bravery in action against an enemy force). It is the third highest award of the French Republic.
The Belgian fourragère of 1940
Always worn on the opposite shoulder to that of the French Fourragère
​
The Belgian Fourragère of 1940 was created by Prince Charles of Belgium, Regent of the Kingdom to honour certain military formations that distinguished themselves during the Second World War. The 16th earned this during
​
-
Action near Mons. Where the 16th helped the 1st Infantry Division in destroyed six German divisions
​
-
Action at Eupen-Malmedy
​
The brad is red and green; the colours of the Belgian Croix de guerre of 1940. The fourragère is in cotton for non-commissioned officers and soldiers and in silk for officers.
Arms Qualification
​
The U.S Army created it's first musketry proficiency badges around 1880 to reward marksmen. According to the system enacted in 1921, three basic badges indicated the degree of proficiency, and additional bars specific weapons or courses
These badges were
- Marksman, Second Class Gunner: Minimum score of 60-77% of points, depending on the weapon or Qualification course
- Sharp Shooter, First Class Gunner: 78/87%
- Expert: 85-95%
​
The arms qualification badges were placed on the left hand pocket flap, under the ribbon bar
​
Examples listed below
​
1. Marksman badge. Bar for dismounted pistol shooting
2-3.Sharpshooter badge. Bars for qualification with the Rifle M1, Pistol, Field Artillery
4. Expert Badge. Bar for Proficiency with the pistol
​
