2. The applicant requests correction of his WD AGO Form 53-55, Report of Separation, to reflect that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (BSM), the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) and the Purple Heart. In support of his request he provides a copy of orders published by the US Army Records Center on 22 September 1959 awarding him the BSM with 1st oak leaf cluster and the CIB.
3. He states that he should receive these awards for his participation in World War II. He contends that he was wounded in Belgium around Christmas time 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge. In support of the Purple Heart request, he provides a statement from a former medical aidman who was involved in the treatment of his injuries at the time.
4. 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. Documentary evidence of record shows that the applicant had previously been authorized the BSM and the CIB.
2. While there is no evidence in his record to show that he was awarded a Purple Heart, the witness statement provided by a former medical aidman who assisted in his treatment, seems to authenticate his contention that he was wounded in action and is entitled to the Purple Heart.
3. In view of the foregoing, the applicants 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 the individual concerned was awarded the BSM, the CIB and the Purple Heart for actions in combat during World War II.
BOARD VOTE:
GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION
GRANT FORMAL HEARING
DENY APPLICATION
CHAIRPERSON
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