PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF: 

	BOARD DATE:            12 January 2000   
	DOCKET NUMBER:    AR1999028658

	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. Wanda L. Waller		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. John N. Slone		Chairperson	
	Ms. Irene N. Wheelwright 		Member	
	Mr. Luther L. Santiful		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 correction of his DD Form 214 (Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show award of the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Air Medal and any awards to which he may be entitled. 

3.  The applicant states, in effect, that his DD Form 214 should reflect all of his medals to include but not limited to the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Air Medal.  He contends that he was “TDY” [temporary duty] to different outfits and units while serving in Vietnam.  In support of his application, he submits a copy of his DD Form 214.    

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he enlisted on 24 February 1966 for a period of 3 years.  He served as a basic field radio repairman in Vietnam from 17 November 1966 to 6 December 1967 and was honorably discharged on 
20 February 1969.  

5.  The applicant’s DD Form 214, which was authenticated in his own hand, does not show the Combat Infantryman Badge or the Air Medal as authorized awards.

6.  There are no orders in the applicant’s personnel records which show he was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge.  The applicant’s personnel records show he was assigned to Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 519th Military Intelligence Battalion and the Signal Detachment, 519th Military Intelligence Battalion in Vietnam in military occupational specialty (MOS) 31E (basic field radio repairman) during his assignment in Vietnam.

7.  There are no flight hours recorded in the applicant’s personnel records.  There also is no evidence that he met the qualifications for or was recommended for award of the Air Medal.

8.  The applicant was awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation by Department of the Army General Orders Number 8, dated 1974.  This award is not shown the applicant’s DD Form 214. 

9.  Review of the applicant’s records and Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) does not reveal entitlement to any additional awards.

10.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) 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.

11.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent part, that the Air Medal is awarded in time of war for heroism and for meritorious achievement or service while participating in aerial flight.  This award is primarily intended for personnel on flying status, but may also be awarded to those personnel whose combat duties require them to fly, for example personnel in the attack elements of units involved in air-land assaults against an armed enemy.  As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  Evidence of record shows the applicant served in MOS 31E (basic field radio repairman) during his assignment in Vietnam.

2.  There is no evidence that the applicant was ever awarded an infantry MOS, served in an infantry MOS, or served in active ground combat while an assigned member of an infantry company in Vietnam.  Therefore, he is not entitled to award of the Combat Infantryman Badge.

3.  There is no evidence of record available to the Board, and the applicant has provided no evidence, which shows he was recommended for, awarded, or otherwise qualified for award of the Air Medal.  Therefore, he is not entitled to correction of his military records to show this award.

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

5.  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 that the individual concerned was awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

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

BOARD VOTE:  

JNS_____  INW_____  LLS____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		John N. Slone_________
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR1999028548	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	20000112	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	(HD)	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19690220	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR 635-200  	
DISCHARGE REASON	Expiration of term of service	
BOARD DECISION	(GRANT)	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.0111	
2.	107.0018	
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.