2.  The applicant requests that the fact he was wounded be included on his     DD Form 214.  He states he was wounded in Korea on 19 July 1953.  He submits a copy of a telegram in support of his claim.

3.  The applicant’s military records are not available.  Information herein was obtained from alternate sources.

4.  The applicant enlisted on 10 December 1952.  He was assigned to the Heavy Mortar Company, 179th Infantry Regiment, Korea.  He was separated on            1 March 1956.  His awards and decorations included the Combat Infantryman Badge.

5.  The applicant’s father received a telegram notifying him his son had been wounded in action on 19 July 1953 and could receive mail care of a hospital directory section.

6.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent part, that the Purple Heart is awarded for a wound sustained as a result of hostile action.  Substantiating evidence must be provided to verify that the wound was the result of hostile action, the wound must have required treatment by a medical officer, and the medical treatment must have been made a matter of official record.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  While service and medical records are not available, the applicant’s father received a telegram notifying him his son was wounded in action.  As mail could be sent to his son care of a hospital directory, he presumably received medical treatment for his wound.

2.  In view of the foregoing, the applicant is entitled to award of the Purple Heart and it would be proper to correct his records as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:

That block 27 of the applicant’s DD Form 214 be corrected to add award of the Purple Heart and block 29 be corrected to read shrapnel wound, left hand,         19 July 1953.

BOARD VOTE:

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION

                                                                         
    CHAIRPERSON