Title: 2
Author: WoodsHN

ABCMR Proceedings (cont)                     AC97-19886

2.  The applicant requests award of the Purple Heart (second award), the Good Conduct Medal (second award), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

3.  The applicant initially served in the Regular Army from 1 February 1957 through 18 August 1960.  His DA Form 24 (Service Record), prepared 15 June 1959 shows that he served in Beirut, Lebanon from 19 July to 22 October 1958. 

4.  He again enlisted on 19 August 1966.  He was honorably discharged on 15 April 1970.  Awards shown on his DD Form 214 include the Purple Heart (awarded for action seen on 22 May 1967),the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

5.  His records show that he was assigned to 57th Aviation Company in the Republic of Vietnam were his primary military occupational specialty was 67N, (UH-1 Helicopter Repairman). He was hospitalized on 4 April 1969, the result of a helicopter crash the result of hostile action. 

6.  The Adjutant General determined in 1971 that the applicant was entitled to the Purple Heart (First Oak Leaf Cluster) and the Good Conduct Medal, (second award).  The applicant was so notified.  The adjutant General also determined that there was no evidence that the applicant was ever recommended for award of the Air Medal.

7.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent part, that the primary requirement for award of a decoration is that a formal recommendation be prepared and introduced into official military channels within 2 years of the act, achievement, or service to be recognized. The sole exception to the 2-year time limit occurs when there is conclusive evidence that a formal recommendation was submitted but was lost, or through inadvertence was never acted on by proper authority.

8.  Army Regulation 600-8-82 authorized award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service after 1 July 1958 in support of designated U.S. Military operations.  Among the criteria listed to qualify for the award is having served not less than 30 consecutive days in the area of operation. The dates established for services in Lebanon are from 1 July to 1 November 1958.  

9.  Army Regulation 600-8-82 authorized award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to any person who while serving with the Army who distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.  Award will not be made in recognition of sustained operational activities against an armed enemy.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  It has been determined that the applicant is authorized the Purple Heart for injuries occurred on 4 April 1969 and the Good Conduct Medal (second award).

2.  The evidence of record establishes that the applicant is entitled to the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in Lebanon. 

3.  There is no evidence to substantiate the applicant’s entitlement to either the Distinguished Flying Cross or the Air Medal.  

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:

	a.  by showing that he was awarded the Purple Heart (First Oak Leaf Cluster) and the Good Conduct Medal (second award); and   

	b.  by awarding him the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal 

	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