| Mr. Carl W. S. Chun | Director | |
| Ms. Joyce A. Wright | Analyst |
| Mr. Raymond J. Wagner | Chairperson | |
| Ms. Margaret V. Thompson | Member | |
| Mr. Lester Echols | Member |
APPLICANT REQUESTS: As the spouse of the deceased former service member (FSM), that her late husband’s WD AGO Form 53-55 be corrected to show that the FSM was separated as a “Sergeant Major” instead of “M Sgt” (Master Sergeant).
APPLICANT STATES: That the FSM’s highest rank held during World War II was “Sergeant Major” instead of “M Sgt.” She also states that the FSM served 11 months as a Sergeant Major; however, he was separated in the rank of
“M Sgt.” In support of her application she submits a copy of the FSM’s WD AGO Form 53-55 (Enlisted Record and Report of Separation), a copy of his WD AGO Form 100 (Separation Qualification Record), and a copy of her marriage certificate.
EVIDENCE OF RECORD: The FSM's military records were lost or destroyed in the National Personnel Records Center fire of 1973. Records available to the Board were obtained from alternate sources and show that the FSM entered active duty on 7 January 1943, as a personnel clerk (405). He continued to serve until he was honorably discharged on 7 February 1946.
Item 30 (Military Occupational Specialty [MOS] and No [Number]) of the FSM’s WD AGO Form 53-55 show the entry “Sergeant Major 502.”
The FSM’s WD AGO Form 53-55, which is authenticated in his own hands, shows that in item 38 (Highest Grade Held) the entry “M Sgt” (Master Sergeant/Grade 1). His discharge document also shows in item 3 (Grade) the entry “M Sgt.”
The FSM’s WD AGO Form 100 (Separation Qualification Record), military occupational assignments section, shows in item 10 (months) the entry “11”,
in item 11 (Grade) the entry “M Sgt” and in item 12 (MOS) the entry “Sergeant Major (502).” Item 13 (Title/Description/Related Civilian Occupation) shows the entry “Sergeant Major.”
The available records contain a copy of the FSM’s War Department Form 372A (Final Payment-Work Sheet) that shows he received his final pay in the pay grade of “M Sgt.”
The conversion table of pay grades for enlisted personnel during the period 1 September 1942 to 1 August 1948, shows the highest official attainable rank as Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (M Sgt/1st Sgt/Grade 1). The enlisted conversion table for enlisted MOSs during the FSM’s tour of duty shows “502” as an “administrative NCO.”
The applicant provided a copy of her marriage certificate that shows that she and the FSM were married on 3 November 1939.
Information provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs revealed that the FSM’s date of death was 22 July 1967.
The purpose of the WD AGO Form 100 (Separation Qualification Record) was to assist World War II veterans in post-service employment, education, or any other endeavor by the service member. The form was prepared based on service personnel records and personal interview for a very specific purpose and was not intended as a replacement or substitute for the official records of the individual’s service. For these reasons, this form was prepared on a one-time basis and was not replaced or edited after the fact.
The Army rank structure did not include the rank of SGM until 1 June 1958.
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. The FSM’s WD AGO Form 100 shows that the applicant served as “Sergeant Major” for 11 months. However, item 38 (Highest Grade Held) of the FSM’s WD AGO Form 53-55 shows his highest grade held as “M Sgt” and his final pay,
prior to separation, was in the pay grade of “M Sgt.”
2. The evidence of record shows that the highest official attainable rank during the FSM’s tour of duty was “M Sgt/1st Sgt” and that there is no record of any duty title for “Sergeant Major” during that time period.
3. Notwithstanding the entry in item 30 of the FSM’s WD AGO Form 53-55 and item 13 of the FSM’s WD AGO Form 100, there is no record of any duty title for Sergeant Major. Therefore, the FSM is not entitled to correction of his WD AGO Form 53-55 to show his highest grade held as “Sergeant Major.”
4. 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. The applicant has failed to submit evidence that would satisfy this requirement.
5. In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant'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
__rw___ __mt____ __le____ DENY APPLICATION
| CASE ID | AR2002066388 |
| SUFFIX | |
| RECON | |
| DATE BOARDED | 20020808 |
| TYPE OF DISCHARGE | HD |
| DATE OF DISCHARGE | 19460223 |
| DISCHARGE AUTHORITY | AR 615-365 |
| DISCHARGE REASON | |
| BOARD DECISION | DENY |
| REVIEW AUTHORITY | |
| ISSUES 1. 306 | |
| 2. | |
| 3. | |
| 4. | |
| 5. | |
| 6. |
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