LEIPZIG, Germany -- German Brig. Gen. Markus Laubenthal, Army Europe's chief of staff, honored four German military police Soldiers with the Combat Action Badge, in a ceremony, here, July 8.
The MP Soldiers received the U.S. Combat Action Badge for actions conducted in 2014 while serving as a Close Protection Team (CPT) in Kabul, Afghanistan.
The Soldiers were involved in an insider attack at Camp Qargha, Kabul, Afghanistan. During a briefing for Afghan and Coalition general officers, an Afghan Soldier employed with the Garrison Support Unit conducted an insider attack by opening fire at the assembled party from a very short distance, killing and wounding military personnel. Directly after the shooting the Soldiers provided first aid to the heavily wounded German, American, British and Afghan Soldiers.
Description of the Combat Action Badge
A silver badge 2 inches (5.08cm) in width overall consisting of an oak wreath supporting a rectangle bearing a bayonet surmounting a grenade, all silver. Stars are added at the top to indicate subsequent awards; one star for the second award, two stars for the third award and three stars for the fourth award.
Symbolism of the Combat Action Badge
In keeping with the spirit of the Warrior Ethos, the Combat Action Badge provides special recognition to Soldiers who personally engage the enemy, or are engaged by the enemy during combat operations. The bayonet and grenade are associated with active combat. The oak wreath symbolizes strength and loyalty.
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