PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF:       

	BOARD DATE:            09 SEPTEMBER 2003                  
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR2003084205

	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. Gale J. Thomas		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Ms. Shirley L. Powell		Chairperson	
	Mr. Walter T. Morrison		Member	
	Mr. Thomas A. Pagan		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 DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) be corrected by adding the award of the Good Conduct Medal (GCM) and a second Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM).

3.  The applicant states the GCM and a second ARCOM are not reflected on his DD Form 214.  In support of his request the applicant submits copies of his DD Form 214 and copies of orders for the GCM, dated 6 May 1969, and the ARCOM dated 25 April 1969. 

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he was inducted into the Army of the United States on 23 May 1967, for a period of two years.  He served in Vietnam from May 1968 to May 1969. 

5.  General Orders 1522, dated 6 May 1969, awarded the applicant the GCM for the period 23 May 1967 to 13 May 1969.

6.  General Orders 1356, dated 25 April 1969, awarded the applicant the ARCOM for meritorious service while serving in Vietnam from May 1968 to May 1969.

7.  On 13 May 1969, he was released from active duty under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, chapter 5, for early release of oversea returnee.  His DD Form 214 indicates he had 1 year, 11 months and 21 days of creditable service, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and sharpshooter badges for the M-14 and M-16 rifle.

8.  By virtue of the applicant’s assignment with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam, between May 1968 and May 1969, he is entitled to the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation.  

9.  The applicant participated in four campaigns while serving in Vietnam (Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase IV, Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase V, Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VI, and TET 69 Counteroffensive), and is entitled to four bronze service stars on his Vietnam Service Medal.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  Evidence shows the applicant was awarded the Good Conduct Medal for the period 23 May 1967 to 13 May 1969, and his records should be corrected to reflect this award.

2.  The Board notes that the applicant is also entitled to the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation, and four bronze service stars on his Vietnam Service Medal.

3.  The applicant was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service during his period of service in Vietnam (May 1968 to May 1969).  There is no evidence in the available records to substantiate the applicant’s claim that he  was awarded a second Army Commendation Medal.  

4.  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:

a.   by showing the applicant was awarded the Good Conduct Medal for the period 23 May 1967 to 13 May 1969: and,

b.  by awarding the applicant the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation, and four bronze service stars on his Vietnam Service Medal.  

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

BOARD VOTE:  

__SLP __  __WTM__  ___TAP _  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		____Shirley L. Powell_______
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2003084205	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	20030909	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	(HD, GD, UOTHC, UD, BCD, DD, UNCHAR)	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	YYYYMMDD	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR . . . . .  	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	GRANT	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.00	
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.