PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF: 

	BOARD DATE:            29 March 2001                  
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR2000044177

	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. Carolyn G. Wade		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. John N. Slone		Chairperson	
	Mr. Lester Echols		Member	
	Mr. Christopher J. Prosser		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, that his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) be corrected to show award of the Bronze Star Medal.

3.  The applicant states that the award of the Bronze Star was never added to his DD Form 214.  In support of his application, he submitted a letter from a member of his former unit telling him that he was being recommended for a Bronze Star Medal.

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he was inducted into the Army of the United States on 28 November 1967 for a period of 2 years.  Following all required military training, he was awarded military occupational specialty (MOS) 11B, Light Weapons Infantryman.

5.  The applicant was transferred to Vietnam and served there from 7 May to 10 October 1968.  His unit of assignment was Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.  On 13 September 1968, the applicant was seriously wounded in a firefight with hostile fire and was medically evacuated to the hospital.  On 14 September 1968, the applicant was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in action.  On 15 October 1968, he was further transferred to Irwin Army Hospital, Fort Riley, Kansas, and assigned to the Medical Holding Company. 

6.  On 26 November 1969, the applicant was released from active duty and transferred to the United States Army Reserve after completing 1 year, 11 months, and 29 days of creditable military service.  His DD Form 214 reflects the following awards: the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Expert Badge (Rifle).

7.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) provides, in pertinent part, that the Bronze Star Medal (BSM) is awarded in time of war for heroism and for meritorious achievement or service.  As with all personal decorations, formal recommendation, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders is required.  Recommendations must be made within 2 years of the event or period of service and the award must be made within 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The evidence of record confirms the applicant was awarded the Purple Heart; however, it is not reflected on the applicant’s DD Form 214.

2.  There is no available evidence in the applicant’s record that he was ever awarded the Bronze Star.  

3.  In view of the foregoing, the applicant’s records should be corrected, but only as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:

1.  That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by issuing to the individual concerned a DD Form 215, Correction to DD Form 214, showing that he was awarded the Purple Heart.

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

BOARD VOTE:  

__jns____  __le____  __cjp ___  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		___John N. Slone____
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2000044177	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	20010329	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	HD	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19691126	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR 635-200 c2	
DISCHARGE REASON	ETS	
BOARD DECISION	GRANT	
REVIEW AUTHORITY	DASA	
ISSUES         1.		
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.