2.  The applicant requests that his records be corrected to show entitlement to award of the Purple Heart (PH).

3.  On 30 June 1966, he was inducted into the Army of the United States.  Upon completion of his required training, he was awarded military occupational specialty 11B (Light Weapons Infantryman).  He was advanced to pay grade E-4 effective 8 August 1967.

4.  During the period 14 December 1966-14 December 1967, he served in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN).

5.  On 20 September 1967, medical records show that he had a “Comminuted fracture distal 1/2 of middle phalanx left index finger” and gave a history of “Deformity of (L) index finger due (sic) to shrapnel wound 15 Aug.”

6.  On 2 May 1968, a physical examination cleared him for separation; however, it noted “Fragment Wound 2nd L Finger - Clear”.

7.  On 28 June 1968, he was honorably separated, in pay grade E-4, under Army Regulation 635-200, chapter 2, based on the expiration of his term of service.  His Report of Separation indicates that he had 1 year, 11 months and     29 days of creditable service.  He was entitled to the award of the National Defense Service Medal, the RVN Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

8.  Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards, indicates, in pertinent part, that the PH will be awarded for wounds or injuries sustained as a result of an act of any enemy of an opposing armed force.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The evidence of record shows that he was wounded in combat and entitled to have his record corrected accordingly.

2.  In view of the foregoing, he should have his record corrected, as shown below.
RECOMMENDATION:

That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by showing that he is entitled to the award of the PH.

BOARD VOTE:  

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION




		                           
		        CHAIRPERSON