PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF: 

	BOARD DATE:              27 January 1999                  
	DOCKET NUMBER:     AC98-10400
				     AR1998013405

	I certify that hereinafter is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in the case of the above-named individual.  

	Mr. Loren G. Harrell		Director	
	Ms Joyce A. Wright		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. James E. Vick		Chairperson	
	Ms. Margaret K. Patterson		Member	
	Mr. John H. Kern		Member	

	The applicant and counsel if any, did not appear before the Board.

	The Board considered the following evidence:

	Exhibit A - Application for correction of military 
                records
	Exhibit B - Military Personnel Records (including
	            advisory opinion, if any)

FINDINGS:

1.  The applicant has exhausted or the Board has waived the requirement for exhaustion of all administrative remedies afforded by existing law or regulations.

2.  The applicant requests, in effect, correction of his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show that he completed the Military Provincial Hospital Assistance Program Orientation Course, and was awarded the Combat Medical Badge and other awards to which he is entitled. 

3.  The applicant states, in effect, that the aforementioned information is not listed in items 24 and 25 of his DD Form 214.  In support of his application he submits a certificate showing completion of the Military Provincial Hospital Assistance Program Orientation Course and orders awarding him the Army Commendation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

4.  The applicant’s military records show he was inducted on 29 December 1965 as a clerk typist.  He served in Vietnam from 20 June 1966 to 29 May 1967 and was honorably discharged on 15 December 1967.

5.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 shows the applicant was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign
Medal, the Sharpshooter Badge (M14), and one Overseas Service Bar.

6.  The applicant’s records contain a DD Form 215 (Correction to DD Form 214) which amended his DD Form 214 to show award of the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation Badge.  As a result, these award are not discussed any further.

7.  The applicant provided a certificate of training, which shows that he completed the Military Provincial Hospital Assistance Program Orientation Course on 3 June 1966.

8.  The applicant’s record does not show the Combat Medal Badge as an authorized award.

9.  The applicant’s records show that, while assigned in Vietnam, he served as a clerk typist in military occupational specialty (MOS 71B) with the 73rd Medical Detachment.  However, there is no evidence to show that he served in a medical specialty, in a medical unit supporting an infantry unit, and in ground combat as required by regulation to qualify for award of the CIB.

10.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent part, that the Combat Medical Badge is awarded to medical department personnel (colonel and below) who are assigned or attached to a medical unit of company or smaller size that is organic to an infantry unit of brigade, regimental or smaller size which is engaged in active ground combat.  Battle participation credit is not sufficient; the infantry unit must have been in contact with the enemy.
CONCLUSIONS:

1.  Evidence of record shows the applicant completed the Military Provincial Hospital Assistance Program Orientation Course.  Therefore, he is entitled to correction of his military records to show completion of this course.

2.  Evidence or record shows that while assigned in Vietnam, he served as a clerk typist.  There is no evidence to show that he served in a medical specialty or was involved in ground combat.  Therefore, he is not entitled to award of the Combat Medal Badge.

3.  In view of the foregoing findings and conclusions, it would be appropriate to correct the applicant’s records, but only as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:

1.  That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by showing in item 25 of his DD Form 214 the entry Military Provincial Hospital Assistance Program Orientation Course.  

2.  That so much of the application as is in excess of the foregoing be denied 

BOARD VOTE:  

JEV____  MKP_____  JHK_____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		______________________
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AC98-10400	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	19990127	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	(HD, GD, UOTHC, UD, BCD, DD)	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	YYYYMMDD	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR . . . . .  	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	GRANT	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.		
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.