| Mr. Carl W. S. Chun | Director | |
| Mr. William Blakely | Analyst |
| Mr. Raymond V. O’Connor, Jr. | Chairperson | ||
| Ms. Margaret K. Patterson | Member | ||
| Mr. Arthur A. Omartian | Member |
2. The applicant requests, in effect, that he be awarded the Purple Heart (PH) First (1st) Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC).
3. The applicant states, in effect, that he was wounded in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) on two separate occasions, and would now like to receive the second PH he is entitled to. In support of his application, he submits copies of orders awarding him the Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star, and PH. He also provides a copy of his separation document (DD Form 214).
4. The applicant’s military records show that on 30 November 1982, he was honorably released from active duty (REFRAD), for the purpose of retirement, after completing 20 years, 1 month, and 29 days of active military service.
5. The DD Form 214 issued to and authenticated by the applicant with his signature on the date of his separation confirms that he held the rank and pay grade of lieutenant colonel (LTC/05) on the date he was separated. It also shows that during his active duty tenure, he earned the following awards: National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars; RVN Campaign Medal with 60 Device; RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm; RVN Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star; Bronze Star Medal; Army Commendation Medal 2nd OLC; Meritorious Service Medal; Legion of Merit; Air Medal 32nd Award; Good Conduct Medal; Master Aviator Badge; Silver Star; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Presidential Unit Citation; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Distinguished Flying Cross 1st OLC; Valorous Unit Award; Purple Heart; Distinguished Service Cross; Senior Army Aviator Badge; Army Service Ribbon; and Overseas Service Ribbon.
6. The record shows that applicant was awarded the PH for wounds received in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 17 December 1967. This award was authorized by General Orders Number 410, dated 29 January 1968, issued by Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, RVN. The wounds for which he received this award of the PH were incurred during an engagement that also resulted in the applicant earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for his demonstrated heroism while participating in aerial flight. This award was authorized by General Orders Number 695, dated 13 February 1968, issued by Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, RVN.
7. The applicant also earned the Silver Star for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force on 26 December 1967. This award was authorized by General Orders Number 1193, dated 6 March 1968, issued by Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, RVN. The citation supporting award of the Silver Star contained in the reason section of these orders states, in pertinent part, that the applicant was wounded in the leg by a enemy round that ripped through the cockpit of his aircraft. However, the record contains no indication that he was ever awarded the PH 1st OLC for this wound he received in action.
8. In the processing of this case a staff member of the Board reviewed the Department of the Army (DA) Vietnam Casualty Roster and the applicant’s name does not appear on the roster.
9. Army Regulation 600-8-22 prescribes the policy for the Army awards program. Paragraph 2-8 contains the policy for awarding the PH and it states, in pertinent part, that the PH 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 and the medical treatment must have been made a matter of official record.
10. Paragraph 2-8b(1) states, in pertinent part, that the PH is authorized for the first wound suffered, but for each subsequent award an oak leaf cluster will be awarded. Not more than one award will be made for more than one wound or injury received at the same instant or from the same missile, force, explosion, or agent.
CONCLUSIONS:
1. The Board notes the applicant’s contention that he should be awarded the PH (1st OLC) and finds this claim has merit. By regulation, in order to award the PH a member must have been wounded in action, must have been treated for the wound by military medical personnel, and this treatment must have been made a matter of official record. For each subsequent award of the PH will be made for more than one wound or injury not received at the same instant or from the same missile, force, explosion, or agent
2. The evidence of record confirms that the applicant was awarded the PH for wounds received on 17 December 1967. In addition, the orders awarding the applicant the Silver Star for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force on 26 December 1967, confirms that he was wounded in action on this second separate occasion.
3. The citation contained in the applicant’s Silver Star orders, which explains the reason he received the award states, in pertinent part, that the applicant was wounded in the leg by an enemy round that ripped through the cockpit of his aircraft. Therefore, the Board concludes that the applicant is entitled to the PH 1st OLC for being wounded in action on 26 December 1967, while serving as a captain in the RVN.
4. 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 for the individual concerned be corrected by awarding him the Purple Heart, for being wounded in action on 26 December 1967, while serving as a captain in the RVN; and providing him a corrected separation document that reflects this award.
BOARD VOTE:
__RVO__ __MKP _ __AAO __ GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION
________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING
________ ________ ________ DENY APPLICATION
__Raymond V. O’Connor, Jr. _
CHAIRPERSON
| CASE ID | AR2002074713 |
| SUFFIX | |
| RECON | YYYYMMDD |
| DATE BOARDED | 2002/10/01 |
| TYPE OF DISCHARGE | (HD, GD, UOTHC, UD, BCD, DD, UNCHAR) |
| DATE OF DISCHARGE | YYYYMMDD |
| DISCHARGE AUTHORITY | AR . . . . . |
| DISCHARGE REASON | |
| BOARD DECISION | FULL GRANT |
| REVIEW AUTHORITY | |
| ISSUES 1. | 107.0015 |
| 2. | |
| 3. | |
| 4. | |
| 5. | |
| 6. |
ARMY | BCMR | CY2009 | 20090001051
Therefore, absent any evidence of record or independent documentary evidence provided by the applicant confirming his entitlement to the PH with 1st OLC, it would be appropriate to award him the PH and correct his record and separation document at this time to show his entitlement to this award. As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by: a. awarding him the PH for wounds received in action on 11 March 1968; b....
ARMY | BCMR | CY2010 | 20100023343
The applicant's military records show he served in the Regular Army as an enlisted Soldier from 16 November 1965 to 8 April 1968. The applicant's official military personnel file does not contain orders for the PH, a second BSM, or additional awards of the AM. Since award of the PH requires the wound to be treated by a medical officer and there is no evidence the applicant received such treatment, there is insufficient basis in which to award him the PH.
ARMY | BCMR | CY2013 | 20130013888
A review of the applicant's military personnel records failed to reveal any orders or other evidence that shows he was recommended for or awarded the SS or PH (3rd OLC). Copies of his awards and decorations that show, in pertinent part, he was awarded the: * Bronze Star Medal (BSM) with "V" Device (4th OLC) - the BSM with "V" Device was awarded on two occasions, for heroism in the RVN on 21 August 1969 and 1 November 1969 * PH (2nd OLC) for wounds received in action in the RVN on 21 June...
ARMY | BCMR | CY2001 | 2001062695C070421
By regulation, in order to award the PH a member must have been wounded in action, must have been treated for the wound by military medical personnel, and this treatment must have made a matter of official record. The evidence of record confirms that the applicant was twice treated by military medical personnel for wounds received in action against the enemy in the RVN. That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case for the individual concerned be corrected by:...
ARMY | BCMR | CY2010 | 20100029938
The applicant requests correction of his records to show the Purple Heart and Senior Army Aviator Badge. Although wear of multiple awards of this unit citation badge is not authorized, official military personnel and historical records will indicate all awards received. The applicant's DA Form 66 shows he was a patient during his service in Vietnam which supports his statement that he was in the hospital following a helicopter crash.
ARMY | BCMR | CY2002 | 2002075602C070403
The Board considered the following evidence: Paragraph 2-13 of the awards regulation contains guidance on awarding the Vietnam Service Medal and it states, in pertinent part, that a bronze service star is authorized with this award for each campaign participated in while serving in the RVN. By regulation, in order to support awarding the PH, a member must have been wounded in action, must have been treated for the wound by military medical personnel, and this treatment must have been made...
ARMY | BCMR | CY2014 | 20140006393
The applicant requests, in effect, correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to show the: * Air Medal with "V" Device * Meritorious Service Medal with 1st OLC * Master Army Aviator Badge 2. GO Number 307, issued by Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, on 10 January 1970, awarded him the Air Medal with 40th OLC. As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by: * deleting from...
ARMY | BCMR | CY2006 | 20060010567C071029
The applicant states, in effect, he received a PH for being wounded in action in January 1968, which is included in his record and on his separation document (DD Form 214), but did not receive a second PH for an incident that occurred on 19 September 1967, when he was flying a helicopter gunship in the An Loc valley in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN). By regulation, in order to support award of the PH there must be evidence that the wound for which the award is being made was received as a...
ARMY | BCMR | CY2015 | 20150003295
He states he received these awards, but they are not listed on his DD Form 214. General Orders Number 1260, issued by Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, dated 7 March 1968, awarded the applicant the Air Medal (AM) (1st through 6th Oak Leaf Cluster) for the period 18 July to 12 December 1967. As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by: a. deleting from his DD Form 214 the Vietnam Service Medal and b. adding to his...
ARMY | BCMR | CY2014 | 20140004097
Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any). Department of the Army Pamphlet 672-3 (Unit Citation and Campaign Participation Credit Register) shows * 1st Battalion, 505th Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, was awarded the RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation for the period 6 October 1968 to 11 November 1969 by Department of the Army General Orders (DAGO) Number 43 dated 1970 * 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 199th Infantry...