RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 21 June 2007 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20070001041 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. Catherine C. Mitrano Director Ms. Wanda L. Waller Analyst The following members, a quorum, were present: Ms. Sherri Ward Chairperson Mr. Richard Dunbar Member Mr. David Tucker Member The Board considered the following evidence: Exhibit A - Application for correction of military records. Exhibit B - Military Personnel Records (including advisory opinion, if any). THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant requests correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to show award of the Purple Heart. 2. The applicant states, in effect, that he received wounds to his right hand from hostile enemy forces (Iraqi Army) during Operation Desert Storm in combat action. He contends that he was put in for the Purple Heart and that the paperwork got lost because of the deactivation of the unit. 3. The applicant provides a copy of his DD Form 214; a memorandum for record, dated 10 January 2007; an award certificate for the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious service during Operation Desert Storm from 17 January 1991 to 28 February 1991; a history document on the 3rd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery during Operation Desert Storm; and numerous service medical records. CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant enlisted on 16 November 1982 and served as a cannon crewmember and recruiter. He served in Southwest Asia in support of Operation Desert Storm. He remained on active duty through continuous reenlistments until he retired on 30 June 2006 in the rank of master sergeant. 2. The applicant’s DD Form 214 does not show the Purple Heart as an authorized award. 3. There are no orders for the Purple Heart in the available records. 4. In support of his claim, the applicant provided a memorandum for record, dated 10 January 2007, from the Station Commander, U.S. Army Recruiting Company, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He states, in pertinent part, that “While on duty in combat [the applicant’s name] was wounded,” that “While leading his team [the applicant’s name] received a wound to his right hand from hostile enemy forces” and that “[the applicant’s name] was recommended for the Purple Heart for his acts of heroism and Selfless Service.” The Station Commander’s relationship to the applicant during Operation Desert Storm is not identified. 5. The applicant also provided numerous service medical records. One medical record shows the applicant was evacuated from Saudi Arabia and hospitalized from 28 March to 29 March [1991] for a rupture (most likely of a tendon or ligament) of his right ring finger. Another medical record, dated 18 April 1991, states, in pertinent part, that “Pt. [patient] relates that initial injury occurred on or the end of February, but is uncertain as to direct cause of injury.” 6. Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) provides, in pertinent part, that the Purple Heart is awarded for a wound sustained as a result of hostile action. Substantiating 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. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The applicant’s contention that he received wounds to his right hand during Operation Desert Storm in combat action fighting against the Iraqi Army (Republic Guard) was noted. However, the applicant provided contemporaneous medical documentation which states he reported that he was uncertain as to the direct cause of his hand injury. 2. There is no evidence in the available records which shows that he was wounded or injured as a result of hostile action in Southwest Asia. In the absence of orders or other evidence of record showing that the applicant was injured or treated for wounds as a result of hostile action, the 10 January 2007 memorandum provided by the applicant is not sufficient as a basis for award of the Purple Heart. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence on which to base an award of the Purple Heart in this case. BOARD VOTE: ________ ________ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING SW_____ _RD____ __DT____ DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice. Therefore, the Board determined that the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned. ___Sherri Ward________ CHAIRPERSON INDEX CASE ID AR20070001041 SUFFIX RECON DATE BOARDED 20070621 TYPE OF DISCHARGE DATE OF DISCHARGE DISCHARGE AUTHORITY DISCHARGE REASON BOARD DECISION DENY REVIEW AUTHORITY ISSUES 1. 107.0015 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.