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

3.  He states that he was wounded in action in Vietnam and evacuated to a hospital for treatment but was never awarded the Purple Heart.

4.  His military records show that he was inducted on 6 February 1968 and served 11 months and 28 days in Vietnam. He was honorably released from active duty upon completion of his term of service on 13 September 1969.

5.  Awards reflected on his DD Form 214, Report of Discharge or Transfer, include the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

6.  The applicant’s medical records reflect that on 25 October 1968 he was treated for a wound to the neck, sustained in a firefight near the demilitarized zone in Vietnam.  Similarly, his personnel record contains evidence that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in Vietnam, which is not reflected on his DD Form 214.

7.  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 evidence of record shows that the applicant was a casualty as the result of a wound to the neck and that the wound resulted from combat with the enemy.

2.  Additionally, there is evidence in his file that he was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in Vietnam.

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:

	a.  by showing the individual concerned was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained on 25 October 1968 as a result of hostile enemy action in Vietnam; and

	b.  by showing that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in Vietnam.

BOARD VOTE:  

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION




		                           
		       CHAIRPERSON