2.  The applicant requests award of the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), Purple Heart and Air Medal.  He submits a copy of his CIB orders.

3.  The applicant’s military records show he enlisted in the Regular Army on       1 May 1967.  He served in Vietnam from 31 May 1968 - 30 May 1969 as a scout observer and as a dog handler.

4.  On 18 October 1968, the applicant was awarded the CIB. 

5.  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.

6.  The applicant’s medical records are not available.

7.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 also provides for the award of the Air Medal to any person who will have distinguished himself while participating in aerial flight.  It is primarily intended to recognize those personnel who are on current crewmember or noncrewmember flying status which requires them to participate in aerial flight on a regular and frequent basis in the performance of their primary duties.  However, it may also be awarded to personnel whose combat duties require them to fly in the attack elements of units involved in airland assaults against an armed enemy.  Involvement in such activities serves only to establish eligibility for award of the Air medal; the degree of heroism, meritorious achievement or exemplary service determines who should receive the award.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  Evidence in the records shows the applicant was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge.

2.  Evidence in the applicant’s records does not support his claim for award of either the Purple Heart or the Air Medal and he has not supplied any such evidence.

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 was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge.

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