These are the medals that VA deems is sufficient proof that you engaged in combat with enemy forces:

• Air Force Achievement Medal with “V” Device
• Air Force Combat Action Medal
• Air Force Commendation Medal with “V” Device
• Air Force Cross
• Air Medal with “V” Device
• Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device
• Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device
• “C” device, denoting combat conditions, when affixed to other awards for meritorious service or achievement
• Combat Action Badge (CAB)
• Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) (Prior to February 1969, the Navy Achievement Medal with “V” Device was awarded.)
• Combat Aircrew Insignia
• Combat Infantry/Infantryman Badge (CIB)
• Combat Medical Badge
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Distinguished Service Cross
• Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Combat Operations Insignia
• Joint Service Commendation Medal with “V” Device
• Medal of Honor
• Navy Commendation Medal with “V” Device
• Navy Cross
• Parachutist Badge with Combat Jump Device
• Purple Heart, and/or
• Silver Star.

If not in receipt of the above medals, here are some other ways to verify possible engagement in combat:

• service personnel records and pay records
• military occupation evidence
• hazard pay records
• service treatment records (STRs)
• military performance reports
• verification that the Veteran received Combat/Imminent Danger/Hostile Fire Pay
• unit and organizational histories
• daily staff journals
• operational reports-lessons learned (ORLLs)
• after action reports (AARs)
• radio logs, deck logs, and ship histories
• muster rolls
• command chronologies and war diaries, and
• monthly summaries and morning reports.