2.  The applicant requests correction of his military records to reflect that he was a prisoner of war (POW) during World War II.

3.  He states that he and the other members of his platoon were taken prisoner by the Germans on 4 May 1945 and was exchanged the following day.

4.  His record shows that he served 1 year, 10 months and 17 days during two tours of duty in the European Theater of Operations between April 1943 and September 1945.  He was honorably discharged on 20 October 1945 upon demobilization of the forces.

5.  The applicant’s record does not show that he was a POW. However, his record contains three sworn statements from former members of his platoon, to include the platoon leader, attesting to the fact that they were all captured on 4 May 1945 and repatriated on 5 May 1945.

6.  Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards, provides in pertinent part, that the POW Medal is authorized for any person who, while serving in any capacity with the US Armed Forces, was taken prisoner and held captive after 5 April 1917.  The POW Medal will be issued only to those personnel who were taken prisoner and held captive while engaged in an action against an enemy of the US, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing enemy force or while serving with friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing force in which the US is not a belligerent party.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  While his records do not disclose that he was a POW, sworn statements submitted on his behalf confirm that he was a POW during World War II.

2.  Considering his POW status, he is, thereby, also authorized the POW Medal.

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 by showing the individual concerned was a German POW from 4 May 1945 to 5 May 1945 and is entitled to the POW Medal.

BOARD VOTE:  

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION




		                           
		        CHAIRPERSON