Valor decoration
Bundeswehr Combat Action Medal
An operational decoration awarded to soldiers who take part in hostile combat and firefights.
Medals & Awards
Awarded For
Awarded for actively engaging in combat or coming under direct fire during deployed operations.
Eligibility
German military personnel who participate in hostile combat actions while serving abroad.
Branch
All services
Precedence
Worn alongside foreign duty decorations
History
In 2010, Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg established this medal to recognize service members who faced direct enemy fire. As combat escalated in northern Afghanistan, German leaders recognized the need to mark active combat participation.
This award was a significant shift in post-war military philosophy, which had long avoided battle-specific decorations. It gave frontline fighters public acknowledgment for surviving and performing under direct attacks.
Today, the medal is awarded across three levels based on the number of days spent engaging hostile forces in active combat operations.
