2.  The applicant requests his Air Medal with “V” device be upgraded.  He states he was in constant pain but continued to do his job well.  In the end this cost him the use of his legs.   He submits as evidence a valor write-up that was never submitted.

3.  The applicant’s military records show he initially enlisted in the Army National Guard on 27 October 1947.  He was appointed a warrant officer on 11 January 1958.  He injured his back on an escape and evasion course in March 1965.  He served in Vietnam from 16 August 1965 - 15 August 1966 as a helicopter pilot.  He had earned the Air Medal (24th Oak Leaf Cluster) plus one Air Medal with “V” device.  He was retired by reason of a physical disability on 31 March 1967.

4.  

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  While service records are not available and the few medical documents available do not verify that the applicant received treatment for his wounds, the supporting statements by the applicant’s former commander and executive officer offer a credible verification of his battle injury and a plausible explanation of why medical documentation is not available.

2.  In view of the foregoing, the applicant is entitled to award of the Purple Heart.

RECOMMENDATION:

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 Purple Heart.

BOARD VOTE:

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION

                                                                         
    CHAIRPERSON