2.  The applicant requests correction of his records to reflect that he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in Vietnam.

3.  He states that he suffered shrapnel wounds in Vietnam and was medically evacuated because of them.

4.  The record reflects that he served as a light weapons infantryman in Vietnam for 3 months and 20 days and was honorably discharged on 18 April 1969.  His DD Form 214, Report of Transfer or Discharge, shows that he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

5.  On 23 June 1968 he suffered shrapnel wounds to the lower right leg resulting in his evacuation from Vietnam for treatment.  His enlisted qualification record also records that he suffered shrapnel wounds to the right lower leg.

6.  Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards, provides in pertinent part, that the Purple Heart is awarded for a wound sustained as the 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 by a medical officer, and the medical treatment must have been made a matter of official record.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant was wounded as the result of hostile action and, therefore, qualifies for award of the Purple Heart.

2.  In view of the foregoing, the applicant’s record 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 for wounds sustained on 23 June 1968 as the result of enemy action in Vietnam.

BOARD VOTE:  

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION




		                           
		        CHAIRPERSON