PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF:  

	BOARD DATE:           21 February 2002   
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR2001065936

	I certify that hereinafter is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in the case of the above-named individual.  

	Mr. Carl W. S. Chun		Director	
	Ms. Wanda L. Waller		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. George D. Paxson		Chairperson	
	Mr. Thomas A. Pagan		Member	
	Mr. Melvin H. Meyer		Member	

	The applicant and counsel if any, did not appear before the Board.

	The Board considered the following evidence:

	Exhibit A - Application for correction of military 
                records
	Exhibit B - Military Personnel Records (including
	            advisory opinion, if any)

FINDINGS:

1.  The applicant has exhausted or the Board has waived the requirement for exhaustion of all administrative remedies afforded by existing law or regulations.

2.  The applicant requests correction of his DD Form 214 (Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show award of the Bronze Star Medal.

3.  The applicant states that after he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for service in Vietnam it was never added to his DD Form 214 and he never received the medal.  In support of his application, he submits a copy of his DD Form 214; and a citation and award certificate for the Bronze Star Medal. 

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he enlisted on 28 June 1968 for a period of 3 years.  He served as a power pack specialist in Vietnam from 
9 December 1968 through 9 December 1969 and was honorably released on 
9 April 1971.  Records show the applicant’s major command was Headquarters, 44th Medical Brigade, during his assignment in Vietnam.

5.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 does not show the Bronze Star Medal as an authorized award.

6.  There are no orders for award of the Bronze Star Medal in the applicant’s service personnel records.  However, the applicant provided a citation and award certificate which shows he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for service in Vietnam during the period December 1968 to December 1969.

7.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) provides, in pertinent part, that the Bronze Star Medal is awarded in time of war for heroism and for meritorious achievement or service.  As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.  Recommendations must be made within 2 years of the event or period of service and the award must be made within 3 years.  

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  There are no orders available to the Board which authorize award of the Bronze Star Medal to the applicant.  However, the applicant has provided an award certificate which was authenticated by the Commanding General of the 44th Medical Brigade and shows the applicant was awarded the Bronze Star Medal on 5 January 1970.  Upon review, the Board has determined that this evidence is sufficient as a basis for award of the Bronze Star Medal.  Therefore, the applicant is entitled to correction of his DD Form 214 to show this award.

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 awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

BOARD VOTE:  

GDP___  TAP_____  MHM____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		__George D. Paxson________
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2001065936	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	20020221	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE		
DATE OF DISCHARGE		
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	  	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	(GRANT)	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.0014	
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.