APPLICANT REQUESTS: That his records be corrected to show his entitlement to award of the Purple Heart (PH).
APPLICANT STATES: That he was wounded in action (WIA) by a fragment from an enemy hand grenade striking his left hand, during the first or second week of July 1969. He relates that he received minor surgery on his wound after being medically evacuated to the hospital at Qui Nhon, Republic of Vietnam (RVN). Later, he was evacuated to Cam Rahn Bay for a reconditioning program with other soldiers who had been wounded. The second incident, for which he feels entitled to award of the PH, occurred when he was running for cover while being shot at outside the perimeter of his fire base, when he ran into a strand of barbed wire tearing his face.
EVIDENCE OF RECORD: The applicant's military and medical records show:
On 13 March 1968, he was inducted into the Army of the United States. He completed his required training and was awarded MOS 11B (Light Weapons Infantryman).
During the period 15 September 1968-13 October 1969, he served in the RVN.
On 23 October 1968, medical records show that he was treated for a mosquito bite to the left hand, which was swollen and inflamed. Between 3-5 November 1968, he was hospitalized in the 85th Evacuation Hospital for his infected hand, which was caused by the mosquito bite. He was treated with antibiotics and soaks and had a rapid response. Between 6-11 November 1968, he was in the 6th Convalescent Center and returned to full duty.
On 15 October 1969, a physical examination cleared the applicant for separation with a physical profile of 111111A. Neither the applicant nor the examination revealed any wounds or injuries caused as a result of hostile action.
On 15 October 1969, he was separated under AR 635-200, based on his expiration of service. His Report of Separation indicates that he had 1 year, 7 months and 3 days of creditable service.
On 30 April 1997, the Commander, U.S. Total Army Personnel Command opined (COPY ATTACHED) that the applicant had no injuries sustained in combat and his request should be denied.
AR 600-8-22, Military Awards, indicates, in pertinent part, that the PH is awarded to soldiers WIA.
DISCUSSION: Considering all the evidence, allegations, and information presented by the applicant, together with the evidence of record, applicable law and regulations, it is concluded:
1. In order to justify correction of a military record, the applicant must show to the satisfaction of the Board, or it must otherwise satisfactorily appear, that the record is in error or unjust.
2. The applicant has failed to submit evidence that would satisfy the aforementioned requirement.
3. The medical evidence of record shows that the applicant was not WIA as alleged, but was bitten by a mosquito.
4. There is no evidence that the applicant was wounded or treated for barbed wire wounds as a result of hostile action.
5. In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicantÂ’s request.
DETERMINATION: The applicant has failed to submit sufficient relevant evidence to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.
BOARD VOTE:
GRANT
GRANT FORMAL HEARING
DENY APPLICATION
Karl F. Schneider
Acting Director
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