APPLICANT REQUESTS:  The applicant requests reconsideration of the Board’s decision that denied his request for a Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB).  

APPLICANT STATES:  That he was promoted to sergeant in August 1943 in the military occupational specialty (MOS) of 653 (squad leader) of a machine gun section, assigned to the 4th Ranger Battalion in Africa in December and fought with that battalion at Anzio in January 1944.  He states that he suffered an ankle injury and was sent back to Oran in Africa to recuperate.  He later served in Bizerte and Tunis and provided security for General de Gaulle.  He served in southern France in August 1944, received infantry training for two weeks in Brest, France and later served with the reconnaissance platoon of Headquarters Company of the 43d Tank Battalion.  He states that he had a 653 MOS and a 761  (reconnaissance NCO), MOS and believes the 761 was for an infantryman scout; he had infantry training and combat with the infantry or assigned to the 66th Infantry Battalion.  The applicant attaches a letter from his former tank battalion commander. 

NEW EVIDENCE OR INFORMATION:  Incorporated herein is a summarization of the applicant’s military records prepared to reflect the Board’s original consideration of his case on 
22 May 1996.

In his original request, the applicant submitted copies of articles.  A quote, in pertinent part, attributed to the applicant, in one of those articles:  “We were leaving the Eilwangen area heading for Dillingen, Augsburg and (Landsberg), another story here if you want it.  Recon was leading the ‘Task Force’, and we came to the bridge over the Danube, still intact.” - and, “I wonder if anyone else remembers this.  The Infantry dug in on the south side of the bridge to hold the crossing.  We recon went on toward Augsburg checking out the area, and then came back.”

On 28 August 1996 the applicant’s former battalion commander responded to a letter from the applicant.  That individual is quoted, in part:  “I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful about a Combat Infantry Badge - Tankers were not eligible.  We did get combat pay until Armistice I believe but these was extra for overseas-Your 66th Inf time or Italy and S. France - I suggest you go to your nearest VA office.  Your Infantry unit officer could help.  I would like to help if I could.  Good to hear from you.  The green strips were worn on shoulders of officers and NCO in command positions.”

DISCUSSION:  Considering all the evidence, allegations, and information presented by the applicant, together with the evidence of record, applicable law and regulations, and advisory opinion(s), it is concluded:

1.  The applicant haS provided no new evidence nor a convincing argument to support his request that he should be awarded the CIB.  He has yet to show that he was an infantryman serving with an infantry unit of brigade, regimental or smaller size in combat against the enemy.  

2.  In order to justify correction of a military record the applicant must show to the satisfaction of the Board, or it must otherwise satisfactorily appear, that the record is in error or unjust.  The applicant has failed to submit evidence that would satisfy the aforementioned requirement.

3.  In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant’s request.

DETERMINATION:  The applicant has failed to submit sufficient relevant evidence to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.

BOARD VOTE:

                       GRANT          

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION




						Karl F. Schneider
						Acting Director