What is a Combat Veteran?

A combat veteran is any GI who experiences any level of hostility for any duration resulting from offensive, defensive or friendly fire military action involving a real or perceived enemy in any foreign theater. [See #3, below]

NOTE:

1. Veteran's benefits are based on Congressional regulations determined by Honorable Discharge or Under Honorable Conditions status.

2. Retirees (either 20+ years service or medical discharge status) are also Veterans. Retirees are usually eligible for supplementary federal benefits, privileges and access on military installations, but not necessarily all VA services (some services are maintained by the former military branch), as regulated by Congress.

3. Wartime medals define various levels of individual combat involvement, sacrifice and/or valor.

4. (Ret.) or (Retired) may be used by any veteran when stating or publishing his or her rank to indicate they are not on the active list.

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Document Author: Phill Coleman, 18 June 1973


Contact Person for this website: Roger Simpson,
Public Information Officer: 13105320634.com
The American War Library: http://www.amervets.com
16907 Brighton Avenue
Gardena CA 90247-5420
Fone/Fax: 1-310-532-0634

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REFERENCES
• Email The American War Library
• War Library Home
• Military Medal and Award Report Request Form
• G.I. Photo Museum
• Veteran, Military and Family Member Locator/Registry Forms
• Veteran and Military Websites
• Information Exchange and Discussion Forums
• War Library Wallet Card

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This website re-established 25 December 2008