MEMORANDUM OF CONSIDERATION

	IN THE CASE OF:   

	BOARD DATE:           1 August 2000                   
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR2000036326

	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.

	Mr. Carl W. S. Chun		Director	
	Mrs. Joyce A. Hughes		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Ms. Deborah S. Jacobs		Chairperson	
	Ms. Karol A. Kennedy		Member	
	Mr. Ernest W. Lutz, Jr.		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 two applications that he be awarded the Pathfinder Badge and the Air Assault Badge and that his records be corrected to show the awards.

APPLICANT STATES:  In effect, that he did not receive the Pathfinder Badge for the period 9 February 1966 to 11 June 1966, his records show that his principal duty on the job training (OJT) was Pathfinder.  He further states in his 2nd application that the 11th Air Assault Badge was awarded to the members of the 1st Cavalry Division.  He was a member of that unit at the time of the Defense authorization.  He submits a statement from his battalion commander in support of his application.

EVIDENCE OF RECORD:  The applicant's military records show:

On 9 August 1965, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Army for a period of
3 years.  He completed basic combat training and advanced individual training and was awarded military occupational specialty (MOS) 11B Light Weapons
Infantryman.  His services were continuous through extensions and reenlistments.

The applicant’s DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) shows that in 
February 1966, he served with the 5th Infantry Detachment, Fort Rucker, Alabama. The DA Form 20 also shows Pathfinder listed as his principal
duty.  However, the DA Form 20, does not show that he completed the Pathfinder OJT training course.  The DA Form 20, Item 41 (Awards and Decorations) does not show that he was awarded the Pathfinder Badge nor does his DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty) show that he was awarded the Pathfinder Badge.

His military records also show that the applicant served in the Republic of Vietnam from July 1966 to March 1967, he was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division.  His principal duty was listed as a Rifleman.

The applicant was attached to various units throughout his military career.  His 
DA Form 20 does not indicate that he was attached or assigned to the 101st Airborne Division.  The DA Form 20, also shows the applicant’s principal duty during his military career as an Auto Rifleman, a Grenadier and a Scout Driver.

On 15 November 1972, the applicant was discharged from active duty, in pay grade E-1, under other than honorable conditions.  He completed 7 years and
4 days of creditable active service and had 92 days of time lost.  

He was awarded the National Defense Medal, the Air Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Parachutist Badge.  On 9 August 1978, the applicant’s discharge was upgraded to under honorable conditions.

Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent part, that the Pathfinder Badge is awarded by the Commandant of the U.S. Army Infantry School to any person who successfully completes the pathfinder course conducted by that school.  Any person previously awarded this badge for completion of pathfinder training is authorized its wear.

Army Regulation 600-8-22, also provides, in pertinent part, that the Air Assault Badge is awarded to an individual assigned or attached to the 101st Airborne Division since 1 April 1974 who satisfactorily completes an air assault training course in accordance with the Training and Doctrine Command standardized 
Air Assault Core Program of Instruction.

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

2.  There is no evidence in his records, and the evidence submitted by the applicant is insufficient.  It does not support awarding the Pathfinder Badge or the Air Assault Badge.  The Board cannot authorize awards or corrections to official military records without supporting documentation.  

3.  The applicant does not meet the eligibility criteria for award of either the 
Pathfinder Badge or the Air Assault Badge.  However, if the applicant can provide evidence that he was entitled to the badges such as, a copy of orders,
a copy of the citation or a copy of the award certificate, he can apply for reconsideration.

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:

________  ________  ________  GRANT

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

__dsj___  __kak___  __ewl___  DENY APPLICATION

		    Carl W. S. Chun
		    Director, Army Board for Correction
    of Military Records

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2000036326	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	20000801	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE		
DATE OF DISCHARGE		
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY		
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	(DENY)	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.0121	
2.	107.0122	
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.