PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF: 

	BOARD DATE:                28 July 1999
	DOCKET NUMBER:        AR1999018784

	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. Fred N. Eichorn		Chairperson	
	Ms. Lana E. McGlynn		Member	
	Ms. Margaret V. Thompson		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 and the Bronze Star Medal.

3.  The applicant states, in effect, that his DD Form 214 does not show the award of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal.  In support of his application he submits a copy of an award certificate for the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal.

4.  The applicant’s military records show he was inducted on 9 July 1968 as an indirect fire crewman.  He served in Vietnam from 10 December 1968 to 1 April 1969 and was honorably discharged on 8 July 1970.

5.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 shows he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Marksmanship Qualification Badge (M-14).

6.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 does not show the Purple Heart or Bronze Star Medal as authorized awards.

7.  The applicant’s record contain 71st Evacuation Hospital General Order Number 73, dated 26 March 1969, which awards him the Purple Heart for wounds sustained on 24 March 1969.

8.  The applicant provides a copy of an award certificate, which shows that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in ground combat while serving in Vietnam on 25 March 1969.

9.  Headquarters, 3rd Armored Cavalry, Fort Lewis, Washington General Order Number 170, dated 16 June 1970, shows the applicant was awarded the first award of the Good Conduct Medal for the period 9 July 1968 to 8 July 1970, which is not shown on his DD Form 214.

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 53, dated 1970 and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation by Department of the Army General Orders 3, dated 1970.

11.  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.  

12.  The bronze “V” device indicates acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received on 24 March 1969.  Therefore, he is entitled to correction of his records to show this award.

2.  The applicant was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in ground combat while serving in Vietnam on 25 March 1969.  Therefore, he is entitled to correction of his records to show the BSM with “V” Device.

3.  Evidence of records shows he was awarded the first award of the Good Conduct Medal for the period 16 November 1967 to 26 August 1969; therefore, he is entitled to correction of his records to show this award.

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

5.  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 

	a.  by showing in item 24 (Decorations and Awards) of his DD Form 214 that he was awarded the Purple Heart;

	b.  by showing in item 24 (Decorations and Awards) of his DD Form 214 that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device;

	c.  by showing in item 24 (Decorations and Awards) of his DD Form 214 that he was awarded the first award of the Good Conduct Medal for the period 
9 July 1968 to 8 July 1970; and

	d.  by showing in item 24 (Decorations and Awards) of his DD Form 214
that he was awarded the Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

BOARD VOTE:  

FNE____  LEM____  MVT_____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		Fred N. Eichorn_______
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR1999018784	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	19990728	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	HD	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19700708	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR . . . . .  	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	GRANT	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1. 60		
2.  61		
3.  102		
4.		
5.		
6.