MEMORANDUM OF CONSIDERATION

	IN THE CASE OF:        

	BOARD DATE:             12 April 2000
	DOCKET NUMBER:    AR1999027454

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

	Ms. Joyce A. Wright 		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. Robert G. Hinkle		Chairperson	
	Ms. Barbara J. Ellis		Member	
	Mr. James P. Stueve		Member	

	The Board, established pursuant to authority contained in 10 U.S.C. 1552, convened at the call of the Chairperson on the above date.  In accordance with Army Regulation 15-185, the application and the available military records pertinent to the corrective action requested were reviewed to determine whether to authorize a formal hearing, recommend that the records be corrected without a formal hearing, or to deny the application without a formal hearing if it is determined that insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice.

	The applicant requests correction of military records as stated in the application to the Board and as restated herein.

	The Board considered the following evidence:

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

APPLICANT REQUESTS:  In effect, correction of his WD AGO Form 53-55 (Enlisted Record and Report of Separation) to show that he was separated in the pay grade of “SGT” (Sergeant/Technician 4th Grade) instead of “CPL” (Corporal/Technician 5th Grade).

APPLICANT STATES:  In effect, that official records from the Navy War Department were mailed to him addressed with the rank of sergeant (SGT) in January 1946.  He also states that he would like to contribute to the World War II Veterans Memorial Fund and would like for his rank to be correct.  He further states that when the war was over he was being repatriated from the Philippines and looked on the bulletin and noticed that he was recommended to the pay grade of sergeant.  However, he was on the move so fast that he never actually witnessed the orders being recorded at his company.  He goes on to state that before his unit departed, the lieutenant departed in his jeep with the orders and informed him that he would meet them in Manila and have their orders recorded.  Upon arrival the lieutenant was nowhere to be found, nor were the orders due to scheduling.  He concludes by stating that he only had time to grab his bags, board the ship for California and proceed to Fort Devens, Massachusetts where he was discharged.  In support of his application he submits a copy of his WD AGO Form 53-55 and a copy of WD AGO Form 100 (Separation Qualification Record).

EVIDENCE OF RECORD:  The applicant's military records were lost or destroyed in the National Personnel Records Center fire of 1973.  Records available to the Board were obtained from alternate sources and show he was inducted on 16 June 1943 as a munitions worker (901).  He served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations from 10 December 1943 to 4 December 1945 and was honorably discharged on 4 January 1946.

The applicant’s WD AGO Form 53-55, which is authenticated in his own hand, shows that in item 38 (Highest Grade Held) the entry “CPL” (Corporal/ Technician 5th Grade).  This discharge document also shows in item
3 (Grade) the entry “CPL” (Corporal/Technician 5th Grade).

The applicant’s War Department Form 372A (Final Payment Work Sheet), which was authenticated in his own hand, shows that he was paid as a Grade 5/CPL (Corporal/Technician 5th Grade) prior to his discharge.

The applicant’s WD AGO Form 100 (Separation Qualification Record), military occupational assignments section, shows in item 10 (months) the entry “25”,
in item 11 (Grade) the entry “Sgt (Sergeant/Technician 4th Grade)” and in item 12 (military occupational specialty) the entry “Munitions Worker 901”.

The purpose of the WD AGO Form 100 (Separation Qualification Record) was to assist World War II veterans in post-service employment, education, or any other endeavor by the service member.  The form was prepared based on service personnel records and personal interview for a very specific purpose and was not intended as a replacement or substitute for the official records of the individual’s service.  For these reasons, this form was prepared on a one-time basis and was not replaced or edited after the fact.

DISCUSSION:  Considering all the evidence, allegations, and information presented by the applicant, together with the evidence of record, applicable law and regulations, it is concluded:

1.  There is no evidence in the available records to show that he was advanced higher than grade 5 (Corporal/Technician 5th Grade).  Therefore, there is no basis to correct item 3 (Grade) of his WD AGO Form 53-55.

2.  The applicant’s WD AGO Form 100 shows his grade as a sergeant.  His War Department Form 372A shows his grade as corporal (CPL).  There is no evidence of orders advancing him to sergeant; therefore, he is not entitled to correction of his records to show that he was separated in the pay grade of “SGT” (Sergeant/Technician 4th Grade).

3.  In order to justify correction of a military record the applicant must show to the
satisfaction of the Board, or it must otherwise appear, that the record is in error
or unjust.  The applicant has failed to submit evidence that would satisfy the
aforementioned requirement.

4.  In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant's request.

DETERMINATION:  The applicant has failed to submit sufficient relevant evidence to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.

BOARD VOTE:

RGH____  BJE_____  _JPS___  GRANT

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

Karl F. Schneider
Director, Army Review Boards Agency

INDEX

CASE ID	AR1999027454	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	20000412	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	HD	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19460104	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR 615-365	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	DENY	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.  1021		
2. 310		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.