PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF:  

	BOARD DATE:           12 April 2000      
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR1999031472

	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.  

	Ms. Beverly A.  Young		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. Robert G. Hinkle		Chairperson	
	Ms. Barbara J. Ellis		Member	
	Mr. James P. Stueve		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 the Bronze Star Medal.

3.  The applicant states that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he was inducted in the Army on 20 February 1969.  He completed training as a light vehicle driver and served in Vietnam from 17 July 1969 through 27 September 1970.  The applicant was honorably discharged on 28 September 1970.

5.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 does not show the Bronze Star Medal as an authorized award.  There are no orders in the applicant’s service personnel records which show that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, and there is no evidence that he was recommended for award of the Bronze Star Medal.  His DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) does not show any entry in item 41 (Awards and Decorations) for award of the Bronze Star Medal.  The applicant did not provide a copy of orders or an award certificate in support of his claim for this award. 

6.  A review of the applicant’s personnel records reveal that he is entitled to award of the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation. Department of the Army Pamphlet 672-3 (Unit Citation and Campaign Participation Credit Register) shows the applicant was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation based on Department of the Army General Orders Number 8, dated 1974.  This award is not shown on his DD Form 214.

7.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent part, that the Bronze Star Medal is awarded in time of war for heroism and for meritorious achievement or service. As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required. 

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  Contrary to the applicant’s contention that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, there is no evidence of record, and he has provided no evidence, which shows that he was recommended for or awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Therefore, the applicant is not entitled to correction of his DD Form 214 to show award of the Bronze Star Medal.

2.  The applicant was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation; therefore, he is entitled to correction of his records to show this award.

3.  In view of the foregoing findings and conclusions, it would appropriate to correct the applicant’s records, but only as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:

1.  That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by showing the individual concerned was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.

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

BOARD VOTE:  

RGH_____  BJE____  JPS_____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		Robert G. Hinkle______
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR1999031472	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	20000412 	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	(HD, GD, UOTHC, UD, BCD, DD, UNCHAR)	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	YYYYMMDD	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR . . . . .  	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	GRANT PLUS	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.0014	
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.