PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF:      

	BOARD DATE:           4 June 2002
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR2002069866

	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. Nancy L. Amos		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Ms. Jennifer L. Prater		Chairperson	
	Mr. Arthur A. Omartian		Member	
	Ms. Regan K. Smith		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 he be awarded the expert rifle qualification badge.

3.  The applicant states that he was a natural at the firing range and one of the top scoring shooters in the battalion.  When they went to the range for record firing, he noticed that some targets did not pop up.  The range sergeant denied any malfunction and told him to keep firing.  He is in the U. S. Army Reserve now and wishes to wear what is appropriate.  He provides no supporting evidence.  

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he enlisted in the Regular Army on 15 September 1966.  He completed basic combat training and advanced individual training and was awarded military occupational specialty 71H (Personnel Specialist).  Special Orders 196, Headquarters, 1st Brigade (Basic Combat Training), Fort Ord, CA dated 3 November 1966 awarded him and a large group of others the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge Rifle M-14, three others the Expert Qualification Badge Rifle M-14, and three others the Marksman Qualification Badge Rifle M-14 for a date of qualification of 24 October 1966.

5.  The applicant arrived in Vietnam on or about 6 March 1967 and was assigned to a number of units, including Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 69th Signal Battalion, as a personnel records specialist, clerk typist, or detachment clerk.  He departed Vietnam on 10 September 1969 after having received credit for eight campaigns.

6.  The applicant was released from active duty on 11 September 1969.  His Report of Transfer or Discharge, DD Form 214, shows he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

7.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 prescribes Army policy and criteria concerning individual military awards.  In pertinent part, it states that a bronze service star is worn on the appropriate service ribbon to denote campaign credit.  A silver star is worn instead of five bronze service stars.

8.  Department of the Army Pamphlet 672-3 shows that the 69th Signal Battalion was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for the period 1 November 1966 – 31 October 1967.  Later, all units assigned to Vietnam were awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The orders that awarded the applicant the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge Rifle M-14 also awarded three other soldiers the Expert Qualification Badge Rifle M-14.  There is insufficient evidence to show the range targets were malfunctioning when he was on the range thereby depriving him of the opportunity to earn the Expert Qualification Badge.  However, the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge Rifle M-14 should be entered on his DD Form 214.

2.  The evidence of record shows the applicant was assigned to a unit during a period of time that unit was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.  These awards should be entered on his DD Form 214.

3.  The applicant received credit for participating in eight campaigns.  Therefore, he is authorized to wear one silver and three bronze service stars on the Vietnam Service Medal.

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

RECOMMENDATION:

1.  That the applicant’s DD Form 214 be amended to add the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, and the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge Rifle M-14.

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

BOARD VOTE:  

     JLP          AAO           RKS       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		        Jennifer L. Prater
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2002069866	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	2002/06/04	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE		
DATE OF DISCHARGE		
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY		
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	PARTIAL GRANT	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.0108.	
2.	110.04	
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.