PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF: 

	BOARD DATE:                 29 July 1999
	DOCKET NUMBER:        AR1999015432

	I certify that hereinafter is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in the case of the above-named individual.  

	Mr. Loren G. Harrell		Director	
	Ms. Joyce A. Wright		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. Charles H. Loundermon		Chairperson	
	Ms. Shirley L. Powell		Member	
	Mr. Curtis L. Greenway		Member	

	The applicant and counsel if any, did not appear before the Board.

	The Board considered the following evidence:

	Exhibit A - Application for correction of military 
                records
	Exhibit B - Military Personnel Records (including
	            advisory opinion, if any)

FINDINGS:

1.  The applicant has exhausted or the Board has waived the requirement for exhaustion of all administrative remedies afforded by existing law or regulations.

2.  The applicant requests, in effect, that his DD Form 214 Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) be corrected to show that he was awarded the Purple Heart.

3.  The applicant states, in effect, that he was wounded in Vietnam and that his DD Form 214 does not show the award of the Purple Heart.  In support of his application he submits a copy of DA Form 1577 (Authorization for Issuance of Awards).

4.  The applicant’s military records show he entered active duty on 14 May 1969 as a light vehicle driver.  He served in Vietnam from 5 November 1969 to 23 October 1970 and was honorably discharged on 13 May 1971.

5.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 shows he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device.  His discharge document does not show the Purple Heart as an authorized award.

6.  A DA Form 1577, dated 13 December 1984, shows the Army Reserve Personnel Center in St. Louis, Missouri, determined the applicant was entitled to the Purple Heart.  The applicant’s records contain an award certificate but no orders for the Purple Heart.

7.  Headquarters, 194th Armored Brigade, Fort Know, Kentucky General Orders Number 95, dated 16 April 1971, shows he was awarded the first award of the Good Conduct Medal for the period 14 May 1969 to 13 May 1971, which is not shown on his DD Form 214.

8.  The Board notes that the applicant was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation by Department of the Army General Order Number 24, 1972, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation by Department of the Army General Order Number 52, 1971, which are not shown on his DD Form 214.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received on 20 February 1970.  Therefore, he is entitled to the correction of his military records to show this award.

2.  Evidence of record shows he was awarded the first award of the Good Conduct Medal for the period 14 May 1969 to 13 May 1971; therefore, he is entitled to correction of his records to show this award.

3.  The applicant was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation; therefore, he is entitled to correction of his records to show these awards.

4.  In view of the foregoing, the applicant’s records should be corrected as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:

That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected:
by showing in item 24 (Decorations and Awards) of his DD Form 214 that he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained on 20 February 1970 in Vietnam, the first award of the Good Conduct Medal for the period 14 May 1969 to 13 May 1971, the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

BOARD VOTE:  

CHL____  SLP____  CLG_____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		Charles H. Loundermon_
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR1999015432	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	19990729	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	HD	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19710513	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR 635-200	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	 GRANT/DENY	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1. 61		
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.