PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF:  

	BOARD DATE:           2 October 2003    
	DOCKET NUMBER:  AR2003085937

	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 L. Amos		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Ms. Kathleen A. Newman		Chairperson	
	Mr. Lester Echols		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 be added to his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge).

3.  The applicant states that he was not sent any of his medals.  As supporting evidence, he provides a copy of his DD Form 214 and a copy of his Army Commendation Medal certificate.

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he enlisted in the Regular Army on 7 September 1967.  He completed basic combat training and advanced individual training and was awarded military occupational specialty 13A (Field Artillery Basic).

5.  The applicant arrived in Vietnam on 17 March 1969 and was assigned to Battery B, 1st Battalion, 14th Artillery on 28 March 1969.  

6.  The applicant provides a certificate showing he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for service for the period March 1969 to April 1970.  The certificate is signed 21 March 1970.

7.  The applicant departed Vietnam on 8 April 1970 after receiving campaign participation credit for 3 campaigns.

8.  The applicant was honorably released from active duty on 12 April 1970    after completing 2 years, 6 months, and 27 days of creditable active service with 9 days of lost time.  His DD Form 214 shows he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge with Rifle bar (M-14) and 2 overseas bars.

9.  The applicant's DD Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) shows the applicant was also awarded the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge with Automatic Rifle bar (M-16)

10.  A DA Form 1577 (Authorization for Issuance of Awards) dated 25 October 2001 shows the applicant was authorized issuance of the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device 1960, and the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge with Automatic and Rifle bars.

11.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) provides that the Army Commendation Medal may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces       of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after          6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service.  As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.

12.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 also states that a bronze service star is worn on the appropriate service medal for each credited campaign.

13.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 states that all U. S. Army medals are presented without cost to an awardee.  Replacement of medals or service ribbons for individuals not on active duty may be made at cost price.  Requests for medals should be directed to National Personnel Records Center, National Archives Records Administration, Army Medals Section, 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO  63132-5100.  No money should be mailed until instructions are received.

14.  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 that, at the time of the applicant's assignment to the 1st Battalion, 14th Artillery, it was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm for the period 24 August – 31 December 1969 and for the period 31 March – 30 June 1970.  It states that not more than one Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation will be worn by any individual.  Although multiple awards of this unit citation badge may not be worn, official military personnel and historical records will indicate all awards received.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The Board accepts the signed and dated award certificate provided by the applicant as sufficient evidence to show he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.  Therefore, this award should be added to his DD Form 214.

2.  The evidence of record shows the applicant is authorized to wear 3 bronze service stars on the Vietnam Service Medal.  His DD Form 214 should be amended to show this fact.

3.  The evidence of record shows the applicant was awarded the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge with Automatic Rifle Bar (M-16).

4.  The evidence of record shows the applicant was assigned to a unit during two periods of time that unit was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.  Although he may wear only one of this unit citation badge, his DD Form 214 should be amended to show both awards.

5.  The evidence of record shows the applicant was authorized issuance of the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device 1960, and the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge with Automatic and Rifle bars on 25 October 2001.

6.  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 show the applicant was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with          3 bronze service stars, and two awards of the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.

2.  That the applicant be issued the Army Commendation Medal, 3 bronze service stars for wear with the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.

3.  That so much of the application as pertains to issuance of the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device 1960, and the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge with Automatic and Rifle bars be denied.

BOARD VOTE:  

__kan___  __le____  __jtm___  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		__Kathleen A. Newman__
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2003085937	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	20031002	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE		
DATE OF DISCHARGE		
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY		
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	GRANT	
REVIEW AUTHORITY	Mr. Schneider	
ISSUES         1.	110.04	
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.