PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF:  

	BOARD DATE:           7 May 2002        
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR2002067955

	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. Samuel A. Crumpler		Chairperson	
	Mr. John T. Meixell		Member	
	Mr. Kenneth W. Lapin		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 (Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show two awards of the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device (correctly known as the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device (First Oak Leaf Cluster)).

3.  The applicant states, in effect, that he received two awards of the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for heroism on 13 May 1968 in Vietnam.  In support of his application, he submits copies of both orders.  

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he was inducted on 24 January 1967.  He served as a mechanic and infantryman in Vietnam from 3 July 1967 through 22 December 1968 and was honorably released on 30 December 1968.

5.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 does not show the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device as an authorized award.

6.  Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam General Orders Number 1353, dated 
4 October 1968, show the applicant was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for heroism on 13 May 1968 in Vietnam.  

7.  Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam General Orders Number 3208, dated 
24 October 1969, show the applicant was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for heroism on 13 May 1968 in Vietnam.

8.  The applicant served in five campaigns during his assignment in Vietnam (Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase III, 1 June 1967 through 29 January 1968; Tet Counteroffensive, 30 January 1967 through 1 April 1968; Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase IV, 2 April 1968 through 30 June 1968; Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase V, 1 July 1968 through 1 November 1968 and Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase VI, 2 November 1968 through 22 February 1969).

9.  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 Valorous Unit Award for actions during the period 
31 January to 5 February 1968 by Department of the Army General Orders Number 28, dated 1969.  This award is not shown on his discharge document.  

10.  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 Presidential Unit Citation for actions during the period 11 May to 2 June 1968 by Department of the Army General Orders Number 
45, dated 1969.  This award is not shown on his discharge document.

11.  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 60, dated 1969.  This award is not shown on his discharge document.

12.  The bronze oak leaf cluster is awarded to denote the second and succeeding awards of certain decorations, among which is the Bronze Star Medal.

13.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards), in pertinent part, authorizes award of a bronze service star, based on qualifying service, for each campaign listed in Appendix B of this regulation and states that authorized bronze service stars will be worn on the appropriate service medal.  A silver service star is authorized in lieu of five bronze service stars.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  Evidence of record shows the applicant received two awards of the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for heroism on 13 May 1968 in Vietnam.  Therefore, the applicant is entitled to correction of his DD Form 214 to show the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device (First Oak Leaf Cluster).

2.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 shows the Vietnam Service Medal as an authorized award.  However, evidence of record shows the applicant participated in five campaigns during his assignment in Vietnam which are not correctly shown by award of one silver service star for wear on his Vietnam Service Medal. Therefore, in accordance with the governing regulation, the applicant is entitled to the Vietnam Service Medal with one silver service star and correction of his DD Form 214 to show these awards.   

3.  The applicant’s unit received the Valorous Unit Award, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation while he was assigned to it.  Therefore, the applicant is entitled to correction of his DD Form 214 to show these unit awards.

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

RECOMMENDATION:

That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by showing that the individual concerned was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device (First Oak Leaf Cluster), the Vietnam Service Medal with one silver service star, the Valorous Unit Award, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.

BOARD VOTE:  

SAC___  JTM_____  KWL_____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		__Samuel A. Crumpler___
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2002067955	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	20020507	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE		
DATE OF DISCHARGE		
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	 	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	(GRANT PLUS)	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.0014	
2.	107.0000	
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.