PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF:  

	BOARD DATE:            7 November 2000  
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR2000045550

	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. George D. Paxson		Chairperson	
	Mr. Melvin H. Meyer		Member	
	Ms. Paula Mokulis		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 (Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show his combat service in Vietnam and any awards or decorations to which he may be entitled.

3.  The applicant states, in effect, that he is trying to receive service-connected compensation from the VA for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  He contends that his discharge document does not reflect his true combat services during his tour of duty in Vietnam.  In support of his application, he submits a letter of explanation dated 20 July 2000; and a copy of his DD Form 214.  In an undated letter of explanation, he contends that he served as a cook, assisted with road security, was sent in the field on maneuvers and performed guard duty in Vietnam.  He describes several stressful combat experiences, his three-month AWOL period and abuse of drugs.  He goes on to state that after he returned from Vietnam he continued to abuse drugs and alcohol, he had an abusive marriage and suffered a mental breakdown.  He claims that he was diagnosed with PTSD in 1998 by his psychologist.  

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he enlisted on 18 October 1968 for a period of 3 years.  He served as a cook in Vietnam from 30 September 1969 through 16 November 1970 and was honorably released on 9 November 1971.

5.  Item 30 (Remarks) on the applicant’s DD Form 214 shows the entry “Vietnam Service from 30Sep69 thru 16Nov70”.  

6.  Item 24 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) on the applicant’s DD Form 214 shows the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM) with 60 Device and two Overseas Service (O/S) Bars as authorized awards.  

7.  Department of the Army Pamphlet 672-3 (Unit Citation and Campaign Participation Credit Register) shows the applicant is entitled to award of the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation based on Department of the Army General Orders Number 54, dated 1974; award of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation based on Department of the Army General Orders 42, dated 1972; and award of the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star based on Department of the Army General Orders Number 52, dated 1971.  These awards are not shown on his discharge document.

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

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The Board noted the applicant’s contentions pertaining to his combat service in Vietnam.  However, there is no evidence of record available to the Board, and the applicant has provided no evidence, to support these contentions.  Evidence of record shows that he served as a cook during his assignment in Vietnam.  

2.  The applicant’s service in Vietnam is properly reflected in item 30 (Remarks) on his DD Form 214.  Therefore, item 30 (Remarks) on the applicant’s DD Form 214 is correct as currently constituted.
      
3.  The applicant’s unit was cited for award of the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star while he was assigned to it.  Therefore, the applicant is entitled to correction of his DD Form 214 to show these awards.

4.  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 Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star.

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

BOARD VOTE:  

GDP___  MHM____  PM______  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		George D. Paxson____
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2000045550	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	20001107	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	(HD)	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19711109	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR 635-200   	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	(GRANT)	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	100.0000	
2.	107.0094	
3.	107.0095	
4.		
5.		
6.