PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF:      

	BOARD DATE:           26 MARCH 2002                   
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR2001065835

	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. Deborah L. Brantley		Senior Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. George D. Paxson		Chairperson	
	Ms. Deborah S. Jacobs		Member	
	Mr. Ronald E. Blakely		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 records be corrected to reflect award of the Purple Heart.  He states that he sustained a wound to his left wrist during a firefight while in Vietnam, but was never awarded the Purple Heart.  In support of his request he submits a copy of his Bronze Star Medal with "V" device award order and a copy of a medical treatment tag.

3.  Records available to the Board indicate the applicant initially entered active duty as an enlisted soldier in January 1966, and was discharged for the purpose of accepting a commission as a second lieutenant in February 1967, with immediate call to active duty.

4.  In September 1967 the applicant was assigned to Vietnam as an infantry officer with the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.  He remained with that organization throughout the duration of his assignment in Vietnam.

5.  On 31 March 1968 the applicant was involved in "an ambush patrol" which resulted in his award of the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device.  The award citation notes that the applicant "maneuvered forward through the hail of hostile rounds" and was subsequently treated for a fragment wound to his left wrist.  His injury is confirmed in a medical treatment document completed on the evening of 31 March 1968.  The medical treatment document confirms the applicant's injury was the result of enemy action.  There is, however, no indication the applicant was ever awarded the Purple Heart.

6.  The applicant returned to the United States in September 1968 and on 
20 August 1969 was released from active duty.  His separation document does not reflect entitlement to the Purple Heart.

7.  By virtue of the applicant’s assignment with the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam, between September 1967 and September 1968, he is entitled to the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal Unit Citation, and four bronze service stars on his Vietnam Service Medal.  The Vietnam Service Medal, minus the bronze service stars is already on his separation report.  Those awards are not reflected on his 1969 DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge).

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The evidence confirms the applicant was wounded as a result of hostile action while in Vietnam and as such is entitled to an award of the Purple Heart.  His records should be corrected accordingly.

2.  The applicant is also entitled to Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal Unit Citation, and four bronze service stars on his Vietnam Service Medal.  Those awards should be added to his 1969 DD Form 214.

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:

a.  by awarding the individual concerned the Purple Heart; and 

b.  by showing that he is entitled to the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal Unit Citation, and four bronze service stars on his Vietnam Service Medal.  

BOARD VOTE:  

__GDP  _  __DSJ _ _  __REB__  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		___ Ronald E. Blakely     _
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2001065835	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	20020326	
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.