IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 20 October 2022 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20220000755 APPLICANT REQUESTS: reconsideration of his earlier request for award of the Combat Infantryman Badge. APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * Self-addressed statement, 27 November 2020 * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) letter, 20 April 2020 * DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge), 13 January 1969 * Western Union Telegram, 21 March 1970 * Western Union Telegram, 22 March 1970 * Western Union Telegram, 27 March 1970 * Western Union Telegram, 31 March 1970 * Self-authored statement, 18 November 2014 * Statement of 18 November 2014 * U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC), Awards and Decorations Branch letter, 1 November 2016 * Permanent Orders Number 306-05 issued by HRC, 1 November 2016 * DD Form 215 (Correction to DD Form 214), 2 November 2016 * Excerpt of Clothing and Heraldry Product Support Integration Directorate (PSID) website, printed on 2 November 2016 * Northeast Region 1A, Readjustment Counseling Center, Lowell Vet Center Treatment Summary, 17 November 2016 * Statement of 18 August 2017 * Self-authored statement, 15 October 2018 * Statement of 24 August 2020 * DD Form 214 for 26 October 1969 * Veterans Administration file number identification card, undated * Excerpt of Basic Information Required for Retroactive Award of the Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical Badge, undated * Unit history, undated * two photos, undated FACTS: 1. Incorporated herein by reference are military records which were summarized in the previous consideration of the applicant's case by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) in Docket Number AR20190000057 on 26 September 2019. 2. The applicant states on 20 April 2020, he received a letter stating the ABCMR denied his request for the Combat Infantryman Badge due to lack of evidence. He was able to contact his Platoon Leader, and obtained a letter stating that on more than one occasion, he was in a combat situation where he received and returned fire with the enemy. He also resubmitted a statement from stating he was in a combat situation with him on 10 July 1969 where 1st Platoon exchanged fire with the enemy. 3. The applicant's service record shows: a. On 13 January 1969, the applicant was inducted into the Army of the United States. b. The applicant served in Vietnam during the period of 15 June 1969 to 31 March 1970 and he participated in two campaigns while assigned to: * Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Battalion, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division * D Troop, 2nd Battalion, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division c. DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) shows in: (1) Item 22 (Military Occupational Specialties (MOS)) – the applicant's Primary MOS was 11H (Infantry Direct Fire Crewman). (2) Item 41 (Awards and Decorations) – * National Defense Service Medal * Vietnam Service Medal * Army Commendation Medal * Air Medal * Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960) * overseas service bars * Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Recoilless Rifle Bar (90mm) * Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Recoilless Rifle Bar (106mm) * Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Pistol Bar (.45 caliber) d. Western Union Telegram, dated 20 March 1970, notified the applicant's mother of his injury on 19 March 1970. He was a member of a demolition team attempting to detonate defective ordnance when it exploded. He sustained second and third degree burns to his face and bilateral hands. e. DD Form 214, ending on 12 January 1971, shows the applicant was honorably released from active duty. (1) Item 22a(1) (Net Service this Period) – 2 years, 0 months, and 0 days. (2) Block 22c (Foreign and/or Sea Service) – 0 years, 9 months, and 16 days. (3) Block 24 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) – * Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars * National Defense Service Medal * Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960) * Army Commendation Medal * Air Medal * Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar * Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Pistol Bar f. On 2 November 2016, a DD Form 215, correcting the applicant's DD Form 214 for the period ending 12 January 1971, was issued which added the following: * Bronze Star Medal * Army Good Conduct Medal * Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation * Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation g. On 26 September 2019 and in ABCMR Docket Number AR20190000057, the ABCMR denied the applicant's request for award of the Combat Infantryman Badge citing insufficient evidence of his participation in active ground combat. 4. The applicant provides: a. Western Union Telegram, dated 21 March 1970, notified the applicant's mother of his injury on 19 March 1970. b. Western Union Telegram, dated 22 March 1970, notified the applicant's mother of his evacuation from Vietnam to Yokohama, Japan. c. Western Union Telegram, dated 27 March 1970, notified the applicant's mother of his prognosis and evacuation plans to the U.S. d. Western Union Telegram, dated 31 March 1970, notified the applicant's mother of his evacuation to e. Self-authored statement dated 18 November 2014, in which the applicant states that he was assigned to D Troop, 2nd Battalion, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division and was stationed at Camp Eagle in Hue, South Vietnam. He was in 1st Platoon and in most missions, they were transported by helicopter to landing zones and in some cases had to rappel in under enemy fire. All missions were considered dangerous. (1) In June 1969, while on night perimeter patrol, his Platoon killed a Viet Cong Soldier and brought his body back to camp. In July 1969, while on a reconnaissance mission, was killed. From 9-11 July 1969, they flew to a camp at Hill 916. At sunset, they were engaged in a fire fight in which 4 Soldiers were killed. In March 1970, and were killed when their vehicle was hit with an explosive device. On 19 March 1970, while on perimeter patrol, his platoon was assigned to destroy old ammunitions. A white phosphorous motor round exploded which burned his face and hands. He was immediately evacuated to a hospital in DaNang, then to Japan. (2) Camp Eagle was located in I Corps and he heard that Agent Orange was used in the area. He has been treated by Dr. a Dermatologist with Harvard Vanguard Medical Association in Chelmsford, MA; for sores on his face, head, and shoulders diagnosed as actinic keratosis. In January 2014, he had Mohgs surgery to remove a basal cell carcinoma from below his left eye. (3) His MOS was 11H and he utilized the 106mm recoilless rifle and many other weapons during his military career. He was diagnosed with tinnitus as well as unbalanced hearing and it is difficult for him to hear even with hearing aids. f. Statement of spouse of the applicant, dated 18 November 2014, where she recounted the applicant's injuries on 19 March 1970 and his subsequent struggles after service. g. HRC, Awards and Decorations Branch letter, dated 1 November 2016, which verified the applicant's award of the Bronze Star Medal, but not his entitlement to the Combat Infantryman Badge. h. Permanent Orders Number 306-05 issued by HRC, dated 1 November 2016, awarded the applicant the Army Good Conduct Medal. i. Excerpt of Clothing and Heraldry PSID website, in which the applicant requested the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal. j. Northeast Region 1A, Readjustment Counseling Center, Lowell Vet Center Treatment Summary, dated 17 November 2016, showing the applicant was referred to counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder reported by the applicant as being in numerous firefights when in Vietnam. k. Statement dated 18 August 2017, in which he states that on or about 10 July 1969, 1st Platoon, D Troop, 2nd Battalion, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division was inserted on Hill 916 after the enemy had been spotted in the area. On the first night, after digging their foxholes, they were fired upon with enemy small arms and grenades. They immediately returned fire. The applicant received and returned fire. However, his name was left of the roster by the company clerks for the Combat Infantryman Badge. l. Self-authored statement dated 15 October 2018, in which the applicant stated that he contacted the National Personnel Records Center and was advised to contact the Department of the Army to determine his request for award of the Combat Infantryman Badge. m. Statement of dated 24 August 2020, in which he confirmed he was the applicant's squad leader with 1st Platoon, D Troop, 2nd Battalion, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. On 10 July 1969, they were deployed to Hill 916 due to sightings of suspected enemy activity. During the night, they received and returned small arms and grenade attacks. All present members of their platoon were involved in receiving and returning fire. They had 4 casualties and 2 wounded. They were deployed to many other infantry type engagements and the applicant was involved. He provided a copy of his DD Form 214 showing his award of the Combat Infantryman Badge and he believed the applicant received the same awards: * National Defense Service Medal * Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960) * Combat Infantryman Badge * Vietnam Service Medal * Army Commendation Medal * Bronze Star Medal * Meritorious Unit Commendation n. Veterans Administration file number identification card, undated o. Excerpt of Basic Information Required for Retroactive Award of the Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical Badge, undated, referenced Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) which stated the basic criteria for award of the Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical Badge require that a Soldier hold a qualifying MOS (11 series, 18 series, or 68 series), be assigned to a qualifying Infantry, Ranger, or Special Forces unit of brigade size or smaller or a Medical unit which is organic to or attached to an Infantry unit of brigade size or smaller, and perform satisfactorily his/her of her Infantry or Medical duties while the unit is engaged in active ground combat. There are no special provisions waiving the basic requirement that a Soldier was personally present, engaged and under fire in active combat with the enemy to receive the Combat Infantryman Badge. p. Unit history, undated, stated that D Troop, 2nd Battalion, 17th Cavalry Regiment began as A Troop, 2nd Battalion, 17th Cavalry Regiment supporting 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne from June 1965 to February 1968. On 9 July, 1st Platoon reinforced A Troop on Hill 916 and was heavily engaged for 18 hours by Charlie. In July and August, the unit executed Ranger reaction, reconnaissance and night ambush operations. q. Two photos, undated. BOARD DISCUSSION: 1. After reviewing the application, all supporting documents, and the evidence found within the military record, the Board found relief is warranted. 2. The Board found the additional evidence provided by the applicant sufficient to confirm he met the criteria for the Combat Infantryman Badge. The Board determined he should be awarded the badge and it should be added to his DD Form 214. BOARD VOTE: Mbr 1 Mbr 2 Mbr 3 :X :X :X GRANT FULL RELIEF : : : GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF : : : GRANT FORMAL HEARING : : : DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The Board determined that the evidence presented was sufficient to warrant amendment of the ABCMR’s decision in Docket Number AR20190000057, dated 26 September 2019. As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by awarding him the Combat Infantryman Badge for the period 15 June 1969 through 31 March 1970 and by adding the Combat Infantryman Badge to his DD Form 214. 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. REFERENCES: Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) provides Army policy, criteria, and administrative instructions concerning individual and unit military awards. The Combat Infantryman Badge is awarded to infantry officers and to enlisted and warrant officer persons who have an infantry MOS. They must have served in active ground combat while assigned or attached to an infantry unit of brigade, regimental or smaller size. Additionally, Appendix V of U.S. Army Vietnam Regulation 672-1 (Decorations and Awards) states that during the Vietnam era the Combat Infantryman Badge was awarded only to enlisted individuals who held and served in MOS 11B, 11C, 11D, 11F, 11G, or 11H. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20220000755 1 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1