PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF:      

	BOARD DATE:           15 November 2001               
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR2001057952

	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. Rosa M. Chandler 		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Ms. Irene N. Wheelwright		Chairperson	
	Mr. Stanley Kelley		Member	
	Ms. Karen A. Heinz		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 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (BSM) with "V" Device and the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB). 

3.  The applicant states, in effect, that he was awarded the BSM for valorous actions during combat with a hostile force on 3 March 1967, but the award is not reflected on his DD Form 214.  He submits a copy of the award certificate and a copy of the authorizing orders (General Orders Number 691) in support of his request.  He adds that this should also prove his eligibility for the CIB.

4.  The applicant’s military records show he enlisted in the Regular Army on 28 September 1965.  He completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and was awarded MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) 11B (Infantryman).  On 11 March 1966, he completed Basic Airborne training and was awarded the Parachutist Badge.

5.  On 13 April 1966, the applicant was assigned to the Republic of Vietnam (RVN).  He served with Company A, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry, from 16 April 1966 - 5 April 1967.  While assigned to this unit, he served in MOS 11B and he performed the duties of a grenadier and a rifleman.  On 3 March 1967, he distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during combat operations.  He was awarded the BSM with "V" Device by General Orders Number 691, Headquarters, 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate), dated 24 April 1967.  

6.  The applicant returned to the United States and was assigned to Fort Hood, Texas from 29 May 1967-6 September 1967.  He was then assigned to Korea from 4 October 1967 until he was honorably separated and assigned to the United States Army Reserve Control Group, St. Louis, Missouri on 20 September 1968. 

7.  The applicant's DD Form 214 show that he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal (GCMDL), the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM), the Parachutist Badge, 2 Overseas Service Bars and the Marksmanship Badge (M-14 Rifle).

8.  Army Regulation (AR) 600-8-22 (Military Awards) sets forth Department of the Army criteria, policy and instructions concerning individual military awards, the Good Conduct Medal, service medals and service ribbons, combat and special skill badges and tabs, unit decorations, and trophies and similar devices awarded in recognition of accomplishments.

9.  AR 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent part, that the BSM is awarded in time of war for heroism and for meritorious achievement or service.  A bronze “V” device is awarded to indicate acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy.  As with all personal decorations, formal recommendation, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders is required.  

10.  AR 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent part, that the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) is awarded to infantry officers and to enlisted and warrant officer personnel who have an infantry MOS.  They must have served in active ground combat while assigned or attached to an infantry unit of brigade, regimental or smaller size.  The Awards Branch of the Total Army Personnel Command has advised in similar cases that during the Vietnam era that the CIB was awarded only to enlisted soldiers who held and served in MOS 11B, 11C, 11F, 11G, or 11H.

11.  Department of the Army Pamphlet 672-3 (Unit Citation and Campaign Participation Credit Register) lists the unit awards received by units serving in Vietnam.  This document shows the unit to which the applicant was assigned was cited for award of the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) for the period 5 May 1965-4 May 1967 by Department of the Army General Order Number 48, dated 1968.  

12.  Department of the Army Pamphlet 672-3 also shows the applicant's unit was cited for award of the RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation for the period 5 May 1965-26 September 1970 by Department of the Army General Order Number 51, dated 1971.  

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant was awarded the BSM with "V" Device by General Orders Number 691, Headquarters, 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate), dated 24 April 1967; therefore, he is entitled to correction of his DD Form 214 to show this award.

2.  The applicant clearly was an infantryman and served in an infantry unit in the RVN.  The Board concludes that he meets the criteria for award of the CIB and that his DD Form 214 should reflect the same.

3.  The applicant is also entitled to have his DD Form 214 corrected to show award of the MUC and the RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.

4.  In view of the foregoing findings and conclusions, it would be appropriate to correct the applicant’s records as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:
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) to show, in Item 24 (Decorations, Medals, Badges) award of the BSM with "V" Device, the CIB, the MUC, and the RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.

BOARD VOTE:  

_INW____  __SK___  __KAH__  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		        Irene N.Wheelwright______
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2001057952	
SUFFIX		
RECON	 	
DATE BOARDED	20011115	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	HD	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19680920	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR 635-200	
DISCHARGE REASON	A03.00	
BOARD DECISION	(Grant in Full)	
REVIEW AUTHORITY	ASA	
ISSUES         1.	107.0011	
2.	107.0014	
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.