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From Wikpedia on the CAB:

“The Combat Action Badge (or CAB) is a military badge worn in the U.S. Army. The emblem features both a M9 bayonet and M67 grenade. The Combat Action Badge may be awarded to any soldier after the date of September 18, 2001 performing duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is authorized, who is personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement. Award is not limited by one’s branch of service or military occupational specialty, but is only authorized for wear on U.S. Army uniforms. A silver badge 2 inches (5.08cm) in width overall consisting of an oak wreath supporting a rectangle bearing a bayonet surmounting a grenade, all silver. Stars are added at the top to indicate subsequent awards; one star for the second award, two stars for the third award and three stars for the fourth award. In comparison to the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), the CAB has a silver rectangle backing rather than blue, and the CAB is 1 inch shorter in length than the CIB.”

I don’t see a limitation on rank like there is on the Good Conduct Medal which is limited to enlisted personnel. Based upon the above it appears to me that he’s earned this one.

I am not sure what AR 60-8-22 says about the CAB. I believe that it says that the CMB is not to be awarded to officers above the rank of Colonel-and says the same about the CIB. There may not be any similar restriction on award of the CAB, but that is the only thing I can think of that might apply (other than the Kossacks being full of crap).

The “...personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement” would seem to me to require that the person being awarded to have been under fire and engaging the enemy. Something generals don’t often do.

The Combat Action Badge may be awarded to any soldier after the date of September 18, 2001 performing duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is authorized, who is personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement.

Would his being shot in the chest during a live fire exercise stateside count as to the imminent danger aspect?