PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF: 

	BOARD DATE:                 26 August 1999
	DOCKET NUMBER:        AR1999017072

	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:

	Ms. Shirley L. Powell		Chairperson	
	Mr. Samuel Calderon 		Member	
	Ms. Barbara J. Ellis		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 Bronze Star Medal.

3.  The applicant states, in effect, that he extinguished a fire during a rocket attack while serving in Vietnam.

4.  The applicant’s military records show he entered active duty as stock control accounting specialist.  He served in Vietnam from 28 January 1968 to 1 March
1969 and was honorably discharged on 12 November 1969.

5.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 shows he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Overseas Bars and the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge (M14).  His discharge document does not show the Bronze Star Medal as an authorized award.

6.  There is no evidence in the applicant’s personnel records, which shows that he was recommended for or awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

7.  The Board notes that the applicant was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation by Department of the Army General Orders 39, dated 1970 and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation by Department of the Army General Orders 46, dated 1969, which are not shown on his discharge document.

8.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides in pertinent part, that the Bronze Star Medal is awarded in time of war for heroism and for meritorious achievement or service.  As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  There is no evidence or record, and the applicant has provided no evidence, which shows that he was recommended for or awarded the Bronze Star Medal; therefore, he is not entitled to this award.

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

3.  In view of the foregoing findings and conclusions, it would be appropriate to correct the applicant’s records, but only as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:

1.  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 Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.

2.  That so much of the application as is in excess of the foregoing be denied 

BOARD VOTE:  

SLP____  SC______  BJE_____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		Shirley L. Powell_____
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR1999017072	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	19990826	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	HD	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19691112	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR 635-200	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	DENY	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.  61.		
2.   		
3.   		
4.		
5.		
6.