PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF: 

	BOARD DATE:                2 March 2000
	DOCKET NUMBER:        AR1999028914

	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. Joyce A. Wright		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. Edwin S. Castle		Chairperson	
	Mr. Stanley Kelley		Member	
	Ms. Kathleen A. Newman		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, correction of his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show that he was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star.

3.  The applicant states that he received orders for the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star while serving in Vietnam; however, it 
was not listed on his DD Form 214.  In support of his application he submits a copy of the English translation for the individual award of the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star.

4.  The applicant’s military records show he entered active duty on 12 January 
1967 as a light weapons infantryman.  He served in Vietnam from 6 July 1967 to 6 July 1968 and was honorably discharged on 20 December 1968.

5.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 does not show the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star.

6.  U.S. Army Vietnam Regulation Number 672-2 provided for processing of foreign awards and decorations presented to individuals and units.  This regulation, in pertinent part, governed award of the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry as a personal decoration.  This decoration is awarded to personnel who have conducted themselves with heroic action and have displayed deeds of valor while fighting the enemy.  The more gallant and noteworthy the act, the higher the level of the award.  This decoration was awarded in four degrees: with Palm, with Gold Star, with Silver Star and with Bronze Star.  Approval to accept and to wear a personal award of the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry required approval by the Commanding General of United States Army Vietnam.  As with all foreign awards, each recipient of an approved foreign award was provided a copy of the original citation from the foreign government, a translation of the citation if necessary, and a letter authorizing the recipient to receive and wear the decoration. 

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  Evidence of record shows the applicant was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star.  Therefore, he is entitled to correction of his military records to show this award.

2.  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 by showing in that the individual concerned was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Gross with Silver Star.

BOARD VOTE:  

ESC____  SK_____  KAN_____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		Edwin S. Castle_______
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR1999028914	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	20000302x	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	HD	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	196812208	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR 635-200	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	GRANT	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1. 140		
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.