2.  The applicant requests award of the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Bronze Star Medal.  He includes a copy of a certificate for the Bronze Star Medal.

3.  The applicant’s military records were lost or destroyed in the National Personnel Records Center fire of 1973.  Information herein was obtained from alternate sources.

4.  The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 10 September 1940.  He arrived in the European Theater on or about 18 May 1942; arrived in the African Theater on or about 18 December 1942; arrived back in the European Theater (Italy) on or about 18 October 1943 and arrived back in the continental United States on 7 November 1944.  He was separated on 24 April 1945.

5.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent parts, that the American Defense Service Medal is awarded for service between 8 September 1939 and  7 December 1941 under orders to active duty for a period of 12 months or longer.  The American Campaign Medal is awarded for service within the American Theater between 7 December 1941 and 2 March 1946 within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of 1 year.  The World War II Victory Medal is awarded for service between 7 December 1941 and 31 December 1946.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in ground operations against the enemy in the North African Theater of Operations on or about 21 February 1943.  The applicant is eligible for award of the World War II Victory Medal and the American Defense Service Medal.

2.  The applicant is not entitled to award of the American Campaign Medal.  His aggregate service within the continental limits of the United States after              7 December 1941 was 10 months and 23 days (7 December 1941 -11 May 1942 and 7 November 1944 - 24 April 1945).

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

RECOMMENDATION:

1.  That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by showing that the individual is entitled to award of the Bronze Star Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the American Defense Service Medal.

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

BOARD VOTE:

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION

                                                                         
    CHAIRPERSON