There was a rumor going around Vietnam I could never confirm that some units had admin clerks who would, for a modest fee, provide personnel with any any medal or badge up to and including a Bronze Star. Silver Stars cost a little more, as did promotions up to and including MSG E-8.
It was only a rumor, I hope, but it sure gave soldiers something to bitch about over their warm Carlin Black Label beer.
Ah, yes, the Remington Rangers.
The CIB would be easy to check out IF someone with an Army background looked at his 201 file. From what I read in the article, and Lord knows the reporters could've gotten thnings all screwed up, his MOS was in commo. That seems pretty clear and consistent.
I'll bet the CIB is faked. Doesn't mean he wasn't shot at, but only Infantry MOS's qualify. And serving at least 30 days in a combat zone doesn't trump the fact that it is a branch specific badge.