PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF:  

	BOARD DATE:           3 August 2000      
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR2000040017

	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.  

	Mr. Carl W. S. Chun		Director	
	Ms. Wanda L. Waller		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. John N. Slone		Chairperson	
	Mr. Calvin M. Fowler		Member	
	Mr. Edwin S. Castle		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 Purple Heart. 

3.  The applicant states that his discharge document does not list the Purple Heart given to him for his wounds received while serving as a door gunner in Vietnam.  He contends that General Westmoreland pinned this medal on him; however, no record of it exists. 

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he enlisted on 3 February 1964 for a period of 4 years.  He served as a single rotor turbine helicopter mechanic in Vietnam from 28 July 1966 through 18 April 1967 and was honorably discharged on 2 February 1968.

5.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 does not show the Purple Heart as an authorized award.

6.  8th Field Hospital General Orders Number 36, dated 6 April 1967, show the applicant was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained on 3 April 1967 in Vietnam. 

7.  1st Aviation Brigade Special Order Number 15, dated 17 January 1967, shows the applicant served as a nonaviator crewmember effective 28 August 1966.

8.  The applicant’s discharge document shows the Air Medal as an authorized award.  His records contain 1st Aviation Brigade General Orders Number 933, dated 14 November 1966, which show he was awarded the Air Medal for the period 28 August 1966 to 13 September 1966.

9.  His records also contain 4th Infantry Division General Orders Number 3311, dated 8 October 1967, which show he was awarded the Air Medal with “V” Device (2d Oak Leaf Cluster) (currently known as the Air Medal with “V” Device with Numeral 3) for heroism on 1 November 1966.  This award is not shown on his discharge document.   

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant was awarded the Purple Heart; therefore, he is entitled to correction of his DD Form 214 to show this award.    

2.  The applicant was awarded the Air Medal with “V” Device with Numeral 3; therefore, he is entitled to correction of his DD Form 214 to show this award.

3.  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: 

a.  by deleting the entry “Air Medal” in item 24 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) on the DD Form 214 of the individual concerned; and

	b. by adding the entries “Purple Heart” and “Air Medal with “V” Device with Numeral 3” in item 24 of his DD Form 214.

BOARD VOTE:  

JNS_____  CMF____  ESC____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		John N. Slone_______
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2000040017	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	20000803	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	(HD)	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19680202	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR 635-200  	
DISCHARGE REASON	Expiration term of service	
BOARD DECISION	(GRANT)	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.0015	
2.	107.0018	
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.