PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF: 

	BOARD DATE:            11 September 2001                  
	DOCKET NUMBER:    AR2001054452

	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. Stephanie Thompkins		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Ms. Celia L. Adolphi		Chairperson	
	Mr. Curtis L. Greenway		Member	
	Mr. Donald P. Hupman, Jr.		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 that his separation document (DD Form 214) reflect award of the Air Medal.

3.  The applicant states that the Air Medal was awarded to him and is not reflected on his separation document. 

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he enlisted in the Regular Army as a private, pay grade E-1 on 7 July 1969 for 3 years.

5.  He was awarded primary military occupational specialty 67V2, Helicopter Repairman on 15 November 1969.

6.  He served in Vietnam from 16 December 1969 to 18 November 1970.

7.  On 27 March 1970, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM).  On 25 October 1970, he was awarded the ARCOM (1st Oak Leaf Cluster).

8.  He attained the grade of specialist five on 16 March 1971.

9.  On 7 March 1972, he was awarded another ARCOM for meritorious service from 9 February 1971 to 13 January 1972.  This award should have been 2d Oak Leaf Cluster.

10.  He was honorably separated from active duty on 13 January 1972 and transferred to the USAR Control Group (Reinforcement).  

11.  His DD Form 214 shows he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Army Commendation Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster.

12.  He was honorably discharged from the USAR on 1 July 1975.

13.  His records do not show he was awarded the Air Medal.

14.  The last award of the ARCOM for meritorious service was erroneously not entered on his DD Form 214.

15.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent part, that the Air Medal is awarded in time of war for heroism and for meritorious achievement or service while participating in aerial flight.  This award is primarily intended for personnel on flying status, but may also be awarded to those personnel whose combat duties require them to fly, for example personnel in the attack elements of units involved in air-land assaults against an armed enemy.  As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.
CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant is not entitled to correction to his records to show award of the Air Medal.  His records do not show he was recommended for or met the requirements for the award.

2.  The applicant was awarded the ARCOM for meritorious service instead of the ARCOM with 2d Oak Leaf Cluster; therefore, he is entitled to correction of his records to show three awards of the ARCOM including the ARCOM with 2d Oak Leaf Cluster.

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

RECOMMENDATION:

1.  That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by showing the individual concerned was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with 2d Oak Leaf Cluster on 7 March 1972.

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

BOARD VOTE:  

_dph____  _clg___  __cla___      GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		        Celia L. Adolphi
		______________________
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2001054452	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	20010911	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE		
DATE OF DISCHARGE		
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY		
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	GRANT 	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.00	
2.	107.18	
3.	107.20	
4.		
5.		
6.