IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 12 July 2012 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20110023605 THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE: 1. Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any). 2. Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any). THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant requests addition of the Master Parachutist Badge to his DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty). 2. He states the badge was awarded to him on 28 October 2011 retroactive to 1 January 1958. 3. He provides: * his DD Form 214 for the period ending 31 July 1978 * Permanent Orders (PO) 301-1, issued by Headquarters, 75th Ranger Regiment, dated 28 October 2011 CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. The available records show the applicant served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 18 March 1951 to 5 May 1953 and the National Guard of the United States from 6 May 1953 to 25 April 1955. On 26 April 1955, he enlisted in the Regular Army (RA), where he continued to serve until he retired on 31 July 1978. 2. His record includes one page of his DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) containing item 38 (Record of Assignments). This item shows he was assigned to airborne units from 26 April 1955 through 19 July 1961, and it shows he received all "excellent" conduct and efficiency ratings. 3. His DA Form 2-1 (Personnel Qualification Record) shows in: * item 9 (Awards, Decorations & Campaigns) he was awarded the Parachutist Badge * item 17 (Civilian Education and Military Schools) he completed the 3-week Basic Airborne Course in 1954 and the 3-week Jumpmaster School in 1960 4. His DD Form 214 for the period ending 31 July 1978 shows he retired after completing 27 years, 8 months, and 17 days of total service for pay. The DD Form 214 shows he was awarded the Parachutist Badge. 5. His official military personnel file does not include his jump record, and it is void of documentation showing he was awarded the Master Parachutist Badge. 6. He provides PO 301-1, issued by Headquarters, 75th Ranger Regiment, dated 28 October 2011, announcing award of the Master Parachutist Badge to him. The PO show: * the award was retroactive to 1 January 1958 * the authority for the award was Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards), paragraph 8-14, and the verbal orders of the commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment. 7. Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states award of the basic Parachutist Badge requires that an individual must have satisfactorily completed the prescribed proficiency tests while assigned or attached to an airborne unit or the Airborne Department of the Infantry School or have participated in at least one combat parachute jump. 8. Army Regulation 600-8-22, paragraph 8-14, states award of the Master Parachutist Badge requires a rating of “excellent” in character and efficiency, completion of 65 jumps (25 with combat equipment, 4 night jumps with 1 as jumpmaster, and 5 mass tactical jumps culminating in an airborne assault problem), graduation from the Jumpmaster Course, and service on jump status for at least 36 months. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. Of the four criteria for the Master Parachutist Badge, the available records indicate the applicant met three. He received ratings of "excellent" in character and efficiency and he graduated from the Jumpmaster School. The record also shows he served in airborne units from 26 April 1955 through 19 July 1961, and it is reasonable to presume he served on jump status throughout this period, which exceeds 36 months. 2. The available records are void of documentation showing the number and types of jumps he completed. 3. Although he provides orders awarding him the Master Parachutist Badge, it is unclear what documents the orders-issuing authority used to verify his eligibility. Further, the orders show the retroactive date of 1 January 1958, which is before he had graduated from the Jumpmaster School. He did not graduate until 1960. Therefore, he was not eligible for the badge in 1958. 4. In the absence of documentation confirming he met all requirements for award of the Master Parachutist Badge, it is not possible to confirm the orders he provides are in compliance with the governing regulation. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate to add the badge to his DD Form 214 at this time. BOARD VOTE: ________ ________ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ___X____ ___X____ ___X ___ 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. _______ _ X______ ___ CHAIRPERSON I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case. ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20110023605 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20110023605 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1