PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF: 

	BOARD DATE:                1 July 1999
	DOCKET NUMBER:        AR1999017383

	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. JoAnn H. Langston		Chairperson	
	Mr. Fred K. McCoy		Member	
	Mr. Stanley Kelley		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 award of the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB).

3.  The applicant states, in effect, that he was not awarded the CIB and his command failed to recognize or acknowledge his participation in a combat field operation.  In support of his application he submits a copy of his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge).

4.  The applicant’s military records show he was inducted on 22 July 1968 as a supply specialist (76Y).  He served in Vietnam from 27 July 1969 to 14 July 1970 and was honorably discharged on 14 July 1970.

5.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 shows he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star Medal.

6.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 does not show the CIB as an authorized award.

7.  There is no indication in the applicant’s personnel records that show he was awarded an infantry military occupational specialty (MOS), that he served in an infantry duty position or that he was awarded the CIB.  Records show the applicant served as a supply specialist while serving in Vietnam.

8.  The Board notes that the applicant is entitled to the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars, which are not shown on his DD Form 214.

9.  The applicant participated in three Campaigns:  the Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969, the Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970 and the DA Sanctuary Counteroffensive 1 May 1970 to 30 June 1970.

10.  The Board notes that the applicant was awarded the Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation by Department of the Army General Order Number 53, dated 1970, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation by Department of the Army General Order Number 2, dated 1971 and the Valorous Unit Award by Department of the Army General Order 43, dated 1972.

11.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent part, that the Combat Infantryman Badge is awarded to infantry officers and to enlisted and warrant officer persons who have an infantry MOS.  They must have served in active ground combat while assigned or attached to an infantry unit of brigade,
regimental or smaller size.  The Awards Branch of the Total Army Personnel Command has advised, in similar cases, that during the Vietnam era the Combat Infantryman Badge was awarded only to enlisted individuals who held and served in MOS 11B, 11C, 11F, 11G, or 11H.

12.  Army Regulation 600-8-22, in pertinent part, authorizes award of the bronze
service star, based on qualifying service, for each campaign listed in Appendix B of this regulation.  The regulation also states that bronze service stars will be worn on the appropriate service medals and that a silver service star is authorized in lieu of five bronze stars.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  Evidence of record shows that the applicant served as a supply specialist 
while serving in Vietnam.  Therefore, he is not eligible for award of the CIB.

2.  The applicant participated in three campaigns and is entitled to the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars.  Therefore, his records should be corrected to show that he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with three
bronze service stars.

3.  The applicant was awarded the Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation and the Valorous Unit Award; therefore, he is entitled to correction of his records to show these award.

4.  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:

	a.  by showing in item 24 of his DD Form 214 that he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars;

	b.  by showing in item 24 of his DD Form 214 that he was awarded the Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Meal First Class Unit Citation;

	c.  by showing in item 24 of his DD Form 214 that he was awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation; and

	d.  by showing in item 24 of his DD Form 214 that he was awarded the Valorous Unit Award.

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

BOARD VOTE:  

JHL____  FKM_____  SK_____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		JoAnn H. Langston_____
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR1999017383	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	19990701	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	HD	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19700714	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR  635-200	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	GRANT	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1   80		
2.  79		
3.  157		
4.  140		
5.  141		
6.