As I recall, it took 20 combat missions and taking fire on three different occasions.

"The tradition of the Combat Aircrew Insignia goes back to WW II when the Marine Corps awarded it to aircrew members who participated in aerial combat and did not rate other aircrew insignia. The Marine Corps has continued in the use of this insignia during the Vietnam Conflict.
“It can be awarded to any enlisted Marine of any military occupational specialty who qualifies for assignment to a combat aircrew and performs such aircrew duties in combat, such as helicopter door gunner.

“The Combat Aircrew Insignia is distinct from other Marine Aviation Insignia because it is the sole insignia that can only be earned in a combat environment. It has proved to be a prestigious distinguishing device. The insignia is awarded only to those individuals who have satisfactorily participated in combat during aerial flight.

“Combat stars represent an engagement of an enemy aircraft, an engagement of an enemy vessel, or participation in offensive or defensive operations against enemy fortified positions. A maximum of three stars may be awarded for display on the Combat Aircrew Insignia.

“Combat Action Reports in excess of three stars are credited on the individual’s Service Record only.

“A strong tradition is associated with the Combat Aircrew Insignia. Therefore, it does not appear to be a practical course of action to arbitrarily change the style and color of the insignia.”

Semper Fi,

LtCol H. J. Blaha, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff (Air), HQMC

Combat Air Cew Wings

Randy,

I also flew with HMS-17, as an AO (flare crew) and then on as a 1st Mech. This in 1969 and then I moved on to H&MS-11.

If memory serves, you needed 20 mission points for the basic wings, which you really could not wear. Gold stars were awarded for each additional 10 mission points and once all three stars were earned, you could wear the wings.

Semper Fi,

Don "Mac" McGrath
SGT, USMC 1966-1972.

Marine Corps League
Stonewal Detachment

CAC Wings

Bonehead, above is correct! You can't "get" CAC wings without flying combat and getting shot at, it's not optional to wear them without the stars. They signify the three "strike" missions where the wearer took enemy fire!

Just out of curiosity how do i go about getting mine i was crew chief in 362 65-66 have received most of my metals, 16 Air Metals but never got my air crew wings officially nor my National Defense Metal and a couple of others. Has it been to long now to get them 😀

Re: Combat Air Cew Wings

Hummin'17;22654 wrote: Randy,

I also flew with HMS-17, as an AO (flare crew) and then on as a 1st Mech. This in 1969 and then I moved on to H&MS-11.

If memory serves, you needed 20 mission points for the basic wings, which you really could not wear. Gold stars were awarded for each additional 10 mission points and once all three stars were earned, you could wear the wings.

Semper Fi,

Don "Mac" McGrath
SGT, USMC 1966-1972.

Marine Corps League
Stonewal Detachment

I flew on the H&MS 11 FLARESHIP IN 1969 and was awared an Air Medal, and Wings, with 3 stars. No clue why. I just volunteered to do it, and they are on my DD214. Were we shot at while up there??? Dam right. Every time we went up. More times than I can remember. That and a $1.50 gets me a dunkin doughnuts coffee. Semper Fi and Welcome home.