PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF:  

	BOARD DATE:           10 January 2002                   
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR2001057977

	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	
	Mrs. Nancy Amos		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. Fred N. Eichorn		Chairperson	
	Mr. Ted S. Kanamine		Member	
	Mr. John T. Meixell		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 the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) with V device be added to his Report of Transfer or Discharge, DD Form 214.

3.  The applicant states that he was awarded the ARCOM with V device while in Vietnam.  He provides his DD Form 214 and four photographs showing his being awarded the ARCOM with V device as supporting evidence.

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he was inducted into the Army on 16 January 1970.  He completed basic combat training and advanced individual training and was awarded military occupational specialty 11E (Armor Crewman). 

5.  The applicant was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 77th Armor, 1st Brigade, 5th Division, Vietnam on 28 July 1970.  He was reassigned to Company B of that unit on 1 August 1970.  He was reassigned to A Troop, 3d Battalion, 5th Cavalry on 27 July 1971.  His Enlisted Qualification Record, DA Form 20, shows that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal on General Orders 1166, Headquarters, 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (date not available).  He departed Vietnam on 17 August 1971 and was released from active duty on 21 August 1971.  His DA Form 20 shows that his conduct and efficiency were rated as excellent throughout his service.

6.  A search of files at the U. S. Total Army Personnel Command could not locate the ARCOM with V device orders on the applicant.

7.  Army Regulation 672-5-1, in effect at the time, provided policy and criteria concerning individual military decorations.  It stated that the Army Good Conduct Medal was awarded for each 3 years of continuous enlisted active Federal military service completed on or after 27 August 1940 and, for the first award only, upon termination of service on or after 27 June 1950 of less than 3 years but more than 1 year.  At the time, a soldier’s conduct and efficiency ratings must have been rated as “excellent” for the entire period of qualifying service.

8.  Department of the Army Pamphlet 672-3 shows that the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation for the period 8 February – 30 April 1971.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The Board notes the photographs the applicant has provided.  Without orders, however, the photographs are insufficient evidence to corroborate his award of the ARCOM with V device.  Orders are not available in his records and the U. S. Total Army Personnel Command was unable to locate evidence that orders were issued.  If the applicant has a copy of the orders, he may resubmit his application with a copy of those orders for reconsideration of his request.

2.  The evidence of record shows that the applicant met the eligibility requirements for award of the Army Good Conduct Medal.  He was also assigned to a unit during a period of time that unit was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation and so is authorized to wear that award.

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 awarding the applicant the Army Good Conduct Medal for the period 16 January 1970 – 21 August 1971.

2.  That the applicant’s DD Form 214 be amended to add the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.

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

BOARD VOTE:  

__fne___  __tsk___  __jtm___  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

			Fred N. Eichorn
		______________________
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2001057977	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	20020110	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE		
DATE OF DISCHARGE		
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY		
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	(GRANT)	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.0020	
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.