PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF: 

	BOARD DATE:            19 April 2000     
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR1999032458

	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. Deborah L. Brantley		Senior Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. James P. Huber		Chairperson	
	Mr. Elzey J. Arledge, Jr.		Member	
	Mr. Van B. Cunningham		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 1969 DD Form 214 be corrected to reflect his place of birth as New Ulm, Minnesota vice Covington, Indiana and that his record be corrected to show he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal and Air Medal (which he refers to as the "flight medal").  He submits a copy of his birth certificate in support of his request but submits no evidence to support his claim for an award of the Bronze Star Medal or Air Medal.

3.  Records available to the Board indicate the applicant was inducted and entered active duty on 10 November 1966.  His initial induction documents confirm his place of birth was New Ulm, Minnesota, although he was living in Covington, Indiana at the time he was inducted.  He was discharged for the purpose of enlisting in the Regular Army on 15 November 1966.  The DD Form 214, issued at that time reflects his correct place of birth.

4.  The applicant was assigned to Vietnam as a helicopter repairman for 12 months and was awarded an Air Medal for meritorious achievement during the period 12 January 1968 through 11 April 1968.  The 1st Aviation Brigade published orders confirming the award in June 1968.

5.  The applicant was honorably discharged from active duty on 14 November 1969. His DD Form 214, issued at the time incorrectly reflects his place of birth as Covington, Indiana and does not reflect entitlement to the Bronze Star Medal or Air Medal.

6.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent part, that the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who distinguished himself by heroism or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight in connection with military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force.  As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The evidence confirms the applicant's place of birth was New Ulm, Minnesota and his 1969 separation document should be corrected accordingly.

2.  The evidence also confirms the applicant was awarded an Air Medal which was omitted from his separation document.

3.  There is no evidence, and the applicant has not provided any, that he was ever recommended for, or awarded, a Bronze Star 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 on his 1969 DD Form 214 that he was born in New Ulm, Minnesota vice Covington, Indiana; and

	b.  by showing that he was awarded an Air Medal for meritorious achievement while in Vietnam.

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

BOARD VOTE:  

___jph__  ____eja_  ___vbc__  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		______________________
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR1999032458	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	20000419	
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.	110.00	
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.