2.  The applicant requests award of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, and Aircraft Crewmember Badge.

3.  Records Board indicate he entered active duty on 30 June 1967 and served in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade between July 1968 and July 1969.  While he initially performed duties as a scout observer in August 1968 he assumed duties as a light truck driver.

4.  His service medical records indicate follow-up treatment for a fragment wound to his right thigh on 22 November 1968. However, there is no indication of the source of the wound and item 40 (wounds) on his DA Form 20 (enlisted qualification record) is blank.

5.  In March 1969 he was awarded the Aircraft Crewmember Badge by the 173rd Airborne Brigade with a retroactive effective date of July 1968.  Prior to the applicant’s departure from Vietnam he was awarded an Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service.

6.  On 4 June 1971 the applicant was released from active duty with an honorable characterization of service.  Although his DD Form 214 does not reflect award of the Aircraft Crewmember Badge his DA Form 20 does.  However, neither his DD Form 214, nor his DA Form 20 reflect award of Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal or Air Medal.

7.  In December 1972 the applicant reenlisted.  Item 40 (wounds) on his newly created DA Form 20 is blank.  On 12 October 1973 the applicant was separated for unsuitability and given a general discharge.  The discharge was upgraded to honorable by the Army Discharge Review Board in 1973.  The Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal and Air Medal are not reflected on any of the separation documents resulting from his 1973 discharge.

8.  Previous correspondence contained in the applicant’s file indicate that a 1990 review by the Army’s Awards Branch of the Vietnam era awards files failed to reveal any orders which awarded the applicant the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal or Air Medal.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The evidence confirms the applicant was awarded the Aircraft Crewmember Badge as a result of his service in Vietnam.

2.  There is, however, no evidence the applicant was ever awarded a Bronze Star Medal or Air Medal.

3.  Additionally, while the applicant’s service medical records indicate treatment for a fragment wound there is no indication, nor does the applicant provide any details, of the source of the injury.  In the absence of evidence that the injury was combat related there is no basis for awarding the Purple Heart.

4.  In view of the foregoing, it would be appropriate to correct the applicant’s records as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:

1.  That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by showing that the individual concerned was awarded the Aircraft Crewmember Badge.

2.  That so much of the application as is in excess of the foregoing be denied.

BOARD VOTE:  

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION




		                           
		        CHAIRPERSON