PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF: 

	BOARD DATE:               27 January 2000               
	DOCKET NUMBER:      AR1999028050

	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.  

	Ms. Beverly A. Young		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Ms. Irene N. Wheelwright		Chairperson	
	Mr. Stanley Kelley		Member	
	Mr. Elzey J. Arledge, Jr.		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 that the Combat Medical Badge (CMB) be shown on his DD Form 214 (Report of Transfer or Discharge).

3.  The applicant states that he was involved in firefights from 17 September 1967 through 13 September 1968.  He states that he was involved in the TET offensive as a combat medic, with the 44th Medical Brigade, 1st Medical Ambulance unit and attached to the 1st Calvary, 4th Infantry, 73rd Division.  He also states that he was involved in at least three ambushes while attached to the 173rd at Hamburger Hill.  The applicant indicated on his application that he provided a copy of his DD Form 214 and pictures of an ambulance, however, the pictures were not attached to his application.

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he enlisted in the Army on 31 October 1966 and completed training as a medical specialist.  He served in Vietnam from 17 September 1967 to 13 September 1968 and was retired on 12 May 1971 by reason of physical disability.

5.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 does not show the CMB as an authorized award.  The Board notes that the applicant is entitled to the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation which is also not shown on his discharge document.

6.  The applicant’s personnel records show that he held a medical military occupational specialty (MOS) 91B20 and was assigned to the 1st Medical Company (Ambulance), which was a subordinate unit of the 44th Medical Brigade, in Vietnam.  There is no evidence that he served in a medical unit organic to an infantry brigade.

7.  The applicant was awarded the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation by Department of Army General Order Number 8, dated 1974.

8.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent part, that the Combat Medical Badge is awarded to medical department personnel (colonel and below) who are assigned or attached to a medical unit of company or smaller size that is organic to an infantry unit of brigade, regimental or smaller size which is engaged in active ground combat.  Battle participation credit is not sufficient; the infantry unit must have been in contact with the enemy.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The Board noted the applicant’s contentions that his unit was attached to the 1st Calvary, 4th Infantry, 73rd Division and that he was involved in ambushes while attached to the “173rd at Hamburger Hill”.  However, there is no evidence of record, and the applicant has provided no evidence, which shows that he served in a medical unit organic to an infantry brigade or that he was engaged in active ground combat as required by regulation for award of the Combat Medical Badge.  Therefore, he is not eligible for award of the Combat Medical Badge.

2.  The applicant was awarded the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation; therefore, he is entitled to correction of his records to show this award.

3.  In view of the foregoing findings and conclusions, it would 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 the individual concerned was awarded 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:  

INW____  SK______  EJA_____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		Irene N. Wheelwright__
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR1999028050	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	20000127	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	(HD, GD, UOTHC, UD, BCD, DD, UNCHAR)	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	YYYYMMDD	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR . . . . .  	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	GRANT	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.00	
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.