1.  The applicant requests that his DD Form 214 be corrected to show he was discharged as a specialist or corporal E-4 (SP4 or CPL E-4).  He states, in effect, that he served as a corporal from some time in 1954 until he was released from active duty in October 1955 and was never a SP3.

2.  The applicant’s military records show he was born on 4 October 1933.  In October 1953, he was drafted into the Army.

3.  The applicant’s DA Form 24, Service Record, shows he was promoted to corporal (temporary) on 17 December 1954.

4.  On 1 July 1955, the rank of SP3, pay grade E-4 was established.  Certain circumstances dictated an individual receive an automatic conversion from corporal E-4 to SP3 E-4.

5.  The applicant was released from active duty on 26 October 1955.  His DD Form 214 shows his rank and date of appointment to be “SP3 (T) 1 Jul 55.”

6.  The rank of specialist four, SP4, E-4, was not established until 1 June 1958.

CONCLUSIONS: 

1.  Considering all the evidence, allegations, and information presented by the applicant, together with the evidence of record, it appears the applicant is correct in his assertion that he served as a corporal, E-4 and not as a SP3, E-4.

2.  In view of the foregoing, it would be appropriate to correct the applicant’s records as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the applicant’s DD Form 214 be corrected to show he was released from active duty as a corporal (T), date of appointment 17 December 1954.

BOARD VOTE:

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION

 			                                                                         				 	                                    CHAIRPERSON