2.  The applicant requests that his Report of Separation (WD AGO Form 53-55) be corrected to reflect that he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in World War II.

3.  He states that he was wounded in the left buttock in March 1945 while serving in Germany but never reported the wound.

4.  His report of separation shows that he was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, the World War II Victory Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) (and the Bronze Star Medal based on the award of the CIB).  The record does not show that he was wounded as a result of enemy action.

5.  In support of his request, however, he has included affidavits from three former members of his unit in Germany who attest to the fact that the applicant was wounded in the left buttock by enemy fire.

6. Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards, provides, in pertinent part, that the Purple Heart is awarded for a wound sustained as a 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.  While the applicant’s records do not show that he was wounded while in the service, the affidavits in support of his request establish that he was wounded as a result of enemy action.

2.  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 that the individual concerned was wounded as a result of enemy action in Germany in March 1945.

BOARD VOTE:  

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION




		                           
		        CHAIRPERSON