| Mr. Carl W. S. Chun | Director | |
| Ms. Rosa M. Chandler | Analyst |
| Ms. Margaret K. Patterson | Chairperson | |
| Mr. Walter T. Morrison | Member | |
| Mr. Thomas E. O'Shaughnessy, Jr. | Member |
APPLICANT REQUESTS: In effect, that the Separation Program Number of "411" that is shown in Item 11c (Reason and Authority) on his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) be changed to a "non-derogatory code."
APPLICANT STATES: In a letter written to the Board, that there is nothing in his record to indicate what the SPN of "411" means; that he believes the SPN has some "secret" derogatory meaning; and that he has been denied numerous employment opportunities due to this discriminatory SPN. He also states that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (BSM); that he graduated near the top of his class from language school; and that he was recognized as soldier of the month while assigned to Fort Holabird, Maryland.
EVIDENCE OF RECORD: The applicant's military records show:
That he enlisted in the Regular Army for 3 years on 10 February 1964 and he served as a Military Intelligence Specialist, in military occupational specialty (MOS) 97B. On 19 September 1965, he was assigned to Vietnam. On 9 December 1966, he returned to the United States and he was honorably separated under the provisions of chapter 5, Army Regulation 635-200, due to early separation from overseas, and transferred to the United States Army Reserve until his normal expiration of term of service date of 9 February 1970. He had completed 2 years, and 10 months of creditable active service. He was assigned a SPN of "411."
The applicant's DD Form 214 shows that he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and two Overseas Service Bars.
The applicant's record contains General Orders Number 688, issued by Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam, dated 15 February 1967, that shows he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force from November 1965-December 1966. This award is not shown on the applicant's DD Form 214, because it was authorized after he had been separated.
Army Regulation 635-5 (Personnel Separations-Separation Documents), change 7, dated 18 October 1966, in effect at the time, provided that prior to discharge or release from active duty, individuals would be assigned a SPN based on their service records and/or the reason for discharge. An SPN of "411" applies to those individuals that received early separation upon return from overseas. Currently soldiers are assigned Special Program Designator (SPD) codes based on their service records and/or the reason for discharge.
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 applicant was honorably separated prior to the completion of his service obligation upon his return from Vietnam. Therefore, he was assigned a SPN of "411," due to early separation from overseas. This is the correct SPN for the applicant's time and situation and it carries no negative connotation.
2. Enclosed is a copy of change 7, Army Regulation 635-5 provided for the applicant's benefit.
3. The applicant is entitled to have his BSM added to his DD Form 214.
4. 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.
NOTE: The Army Review Boards Agency Support Division - St. Louis is directed to issue a DD Form 215, Correction to DD Form 214, showing that the individual concerned is entitled to award of the BSM. This is an administrative correction and does not require Board approval.
BOARD VOTE:
________ ________ ________ GRANT
________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING
__mkp___ __wtm___ __teo___ DENY APPLICATION
| CASE ID | AR2002080131 |
| SUFFIX | |
| RECON | |
| DATE BOARDED | 20030729 |
| TYPE OF DISCHARGE | (HD) |
| DATE OF DISCHARGE | 19661219 |
| DISCHARGE AUTHORITY | AR635-200 |
| DISCHARGE REASON | |
| BOARD DECISION | (DENY) |
| REVIEW AUTHORITY | |
| ISSUES 1. | 100.000 |
| 2. | |
| 3. | |
| 4. | |
| 5. | |
| 6. |
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