2.  The applicant requests that his Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) with “V” device be changed to a Bronze Star Medal (BSM) with “V” device.  He states he was awarded the BSM with “V” device in the field, but when he was finally sent an award certificate it was for the ARCOM with “V” device.

3.  The applicant’s military records show he was inducted into the Army on       22 April 1970.  He was assigned to Vietnam on 21 October 1970 where he served as a heavy truck driver.  He attaches documentation to show that he was wounded in action in Laos on 6 March 1971.  He departed Vietnam on              14 November 1971.

4.  Orders dated 23 May 1971 award the applicant the ARCOM with “V” device.
There is no evidence in the records to show the applicant was recommended for the BSM with “V” device.  The applicant does submit several articles describing the action of the Laotian campaign.  He is specifically mentioned in the articles; however, no mention of the type of award he received is made.

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.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  Attached documentation shows that the applicant is entitled to award of the Purple Heart.

2.  The applicant has submitted no evidence or credible statements from witnesses to support his claim that he was awarded the BSM with “V” device in a field ceremony.  He may be entitled to that award if he can provide evidence to support his claim.  He should try to locate witnesses using the services of the VA or such service organizations as the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

3.  In view of the foregoing, the applicant’s records should be corrected to show he is entitled to award of the Purple Heart.

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 Purple Heart.

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