This item was in my personal collection and is in excellent unused condition. This is an Expert Infantryman Badge. This is from the Vietnam era as worn on the OD jungle fatigues and later the BDU or battle dress uniform.  This example is new and never folded or sewn on a uniform. If you wished to sew it on, I would suggest ironing it first to obtain a nice crisp fold. The EIB was first authorized during World War II (1944) and continues to the present day as one of the most prestigious awards a soldier can earn.  The EIB signifies that an INFANTRYMAN has demonstrated by rigorous testing that he is an expert Infantryman and is ready for combat against a hostile enemy force.   Guaranteed to be at least 40 years old.

The Expert Infantryman Badge, or EIB, is a military badge of the United States Army. It is the non-combat equivalent to the Combat Infantryman Badge. The primary difference between the decorations is the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) is awarded for participation in Infantry ground combat against a hostile enemy force, while the Expert Infantryman Badge is presented for successful completion of an approved Army course of rigorous testing.

In 1944 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 arts.

The EIB is awarded to U.S. Army personnel who hold Infantry or Special Forces military occupational specialties (MOS). To be awarded the EIB, 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.

Personnel who have been awarded both the EIB and the CIB are not authorized to wear both decorations simultaneously. In such cases, the CIB has precedence according to Army Regulation 670-1.

 

As with all my auctions, If for any reason you are not satisfied, you may return them within 14 days for a full refund. See Photos. A nice addition to any elite insignia collection. See my other auctions for more parachute wings and elite unit memorabilia. Winning Bidder pays $3.00 postage and handling. Insurance, if desired, is extra. Email me if you have any questions. Payment in U.S. Dollars by PayPal (PREFERRED for immediate shipment).