PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF: 

	BOARD DATE:                      
	DOCKET NUMBER:  AR1999017148

	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. Loren G. Harrell		Director	
	Ms. Rosa M. Chandler		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. Curtis W. Barbee		Chairperson	
	Mr. James M. Alward 		Member	
	Mr. Robert G. Hinkle		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 records to show award of the Purple Heart.

3.  The applicant states, in effect, that he has enclosed a copy of the award certificate and a copy of his DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) to show that he was awarded the Purple Heart.

4.  The applicant’s Official Military Personnel Record (OMPF) shows that he was inducted into the Army of the United States on 6 September 1966.  He completed basic and advanced individual training and was awarded military occupational specialty (MOS) 11B (Light Weapons Infantryman).  He served in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) from 24 February 1967 - 23 February 1968.  On 21 June 1968, he was honorably discharged, under the provisions of chapter 6, Army Regulation 635-200, for hardship.  He had completed 1 year, 9, months, and
16 days on a 2 year service obligation.

5.  The applicant 's record contains General Order Number 65, dated 15 March 1967, issued by the 93rd Evacuation Hospital, that indicates he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in connection with military operations against a hostile force, while serving in the RVN on 14 March 1967. 

6.  The applicant's DA Form 20, Item 40 shows that he received fragment wounds to his left shoulder on 14 March 1967, while serving in the RVN.

7.  The applicant's unit was also awarded the Valorous Unit Citation (VUC) by Headquarters Department of the Army General Orders Number 48, dated 1968.  

8.   The applicant's unit was awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (VCG) with Palm Unit Citation by Headquarters Department of the Army General Orders Number 43, dated 1970.

9.   However, the applicant’s DD Form 214 does not show the Purple Heart, the VCG and the VUC as authorized awards.  

10.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent part, that the Purple Heart is awarded for a wound sustained as a result of hostile action.  Sustaining evidence must be provided to verify that the wound was the result of hostile action, the wound must have required treatment, and the medical treatment must have been made a matter of official record.  Hospital commanders were authorized to issue orders awarding the Purple Heart.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant's OMPF contains General Orders, which shows that he was awarded the Purple Heart, as a result wounds received in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 14 March 1967.  Therefore, the applicant is entitled to award of the Purple Heart and correction of his records to show this award.

2.  The applicant's unit was awarded the Valorous Unit Citation, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.  However, these awards were granted after his separation from active duty, and were not reflected on his separation documents.  Accordingly, the applicant is now entitled to correction of his records to show these awards. 

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

RECOMMENDATION:

That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by showing that the individual concerned was awarded the Purple Heart, the Valorous Unit Citation, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

BOARD VOTE:  

CWB____  JMA____  RGH____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		______________________
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR1999017148	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	19990721	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	(HD)	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19990621	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR635-200, Chapter 6  	
DISCHARGE REASON	Hardship	
BOARD DECISION	(GRANT)	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	A92.04	
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.