"B2431" wrote in message
...
I find it mildy amusing that a U.S.A.F. serviceman,non flying, enlisted or
officer, is likely to have more confetti on his chest after 4 years man
who
served in the infantry in combat during WW2 in the U.S.
Army.

The only way to really figure crap out any more is to look at the ribbons as
a whole. I've seen quite a few Navy types with lot's of Navy Commendation
Medals, etc. and no sea service ribbon. With the Army it's a little more
difficult but look for campaign ribbons (ie. NATO medal (Bosnia), SW Asia,
Armed Forces Expeditionary). It won't let you know if they've done combat,
but at least you know they've had to endure some amount of hardship.