| Mr. Carl W. S. Chun | Director | |
| Mr. William Blakely | Analyst |
| Mr. John N. Slone | Chairperson | ||
| Mr. Thomas D. Howard | Member | ||
| Mr. Thomas Lanyi | Member |
APPLICANT REQUESTS: In effect, that his military records be corrected to show award of the Distinguished Service Star and promoted to the rank of
First Sergeant (1SG).
APPLICANT STATES: In effect, that during the month of November 2002, he watched the TV show 20/20 with President Bush, former President Clinton, and Barbara Walters. This TV special revealed his picture with a citation on the wall at the National Archives or the National Cemetery. He further states that the medal itself is on the Vietnam Wall. He states that he wants all of this to stay in place, but would like his separation document corrected to reflect that he in fact received the Distinguished Service Star. He claims these facts were reported on local and national news when former President Clinton confirmed that this medal was on the wall.
The applicant also states that it was heavily rumored that he was promoted to 1SG, and if this was true, he would like his military records corrected to reflect this grade. He concludes that if this information that was heavily publicized on 20/20 and in local and national news stories is not correct, he would like an explanation how the information could be erroneously reported. In support of his application, he submits a copy of his separation document (DD Form 214) and a correction to his DD Form 214 (DD Form 215) dated 12 August 1975.
EVIDENCE OF RECORD: The applicant's military records show:
That he entered into the Army on 5 August 1968 for a period of 2 years. It also shows that he completed training and was awarded military occupational specialty (MOS) 36K (Field Wireman).
Item 33 (Appointments and Reductions) of the applicant’s Enlisted Qualification Record (DA Form 20) shows that the highest rank and pay grade he attained while serving on active duty was specialist four/E-4 (SP4/E-4). His Military Personnel Records Jacket (MPRJ) contains no orders or other documents that give any indication that he was ever recommended for or promoted to a higher grade by the proper authority while serving on active duty.
Item 41 (Awards and Decorations) of the applicant’s DA Form 20 shows that he earned the following awards during his tenure on active duty: National Defense Service Medal (NDSM); Vietnam Service Medal (VSM); Bronze Star Medal (BSM); Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVNCM); and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross (RVNGC) with Palm Unit Citation. His MPRJ also is void of any orders, documents, or recommendations for any additional individual awards or decorations.
The DD Form 214 issued to and signed by the applicant on the date of his separation confirms that on 4 April 1970, he was honorably released from active duty (REFRAD) in the rank and pay grade of specialist/ E-4 (SPC/E-4) after completing a total of 1 year, and 8 months of creditable active military service. It also shows during his active duty tenure he was awarded the BSM, NDSM, VSM, RVNCM 60 Device, and RVNGC with Palm Unit Citation.
In the processing of this case, a member of the Board staff conducted a search of the unit historical files of the applicant’s unit (Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 4th Artillery Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division) that are maintained at the National Archives, College Park, Maryland. Given there is no such award as the Distinguished Service Star, an attempt was made to contact the applicant telephone number listed in his application; however, the number had been disconnected. Given the applicant could not be contacted, the historical files review was conducted to determine if there was any evidence to show he was ever recommended for or awarded either the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) or Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This search failed to produce any evidence to indicate that the applicant was ever awarded either the DSC or DFC, or any other award not already included in his record.
Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) sets forth the Army criteria, policy and instructions concerning individual military awards, to include Defense and Foreign awards. This regulation contains no reference to a Distinguish Service Star.
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 Board notes the applicant’s request that his military records be corrected to show award of the Distinguished Service Star and that he was promoted to the rank of 1SG. However, it finds no evidence to support either of these claims.
2. The Board notes that the Distinguished Service Star requested by the applicant is not among those Army, Defense Department, or Foreign awards authorized in the governing regulation. Further, there is no evidence of record to show the applicant was ever recommended for or awarded either the DSC or DFC. Thus, the Board concludes there is no basis for granting this requested relief.
3. The evidence of record also confirms that the highest grade the applicant held while serving on active duty was SP4, and there is no indication that he was ever recommended for or promoted to a higher grade by proper authority during his active duty tenure. Thus, the Board finds no evidentiary basis for correcting the applicant’s record to show he was promoted to 1SG.
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
_TDH__ __JS__ __TL__ DENY APPLICATION
| CASE ID | AR2003084703 |
| SUFFIX | |
| RECON | |
| DATE BOARDED | |
| TYPE OF DISCHARGE | (HD, GD, UOTHC, UD, BCD, DD, UNCHAR) |
| DATE OF DISCHARGE | |
| DISCHARGE AUTHORITY | AR . |
| DISCHARGE REASON | |
| BOARD DECISION | DENY |
| REVIEW AUTHORITY | |
| ISSUES 1. 46 | 107.0000 |
| 2. 310 | 131.0000 |
| 3. | |
| 4. | |
| 5. | |
| 6. |
ARMY | BCMR | CY2011 | 20110022486
A review of the original ROP and the records on file at the Army Decorations Board (ADB) confirm that, except for the two OER's, all of the documents submitted with this request for reconsideration have been previously considered and do not constitute new evidence. The original ROP states: a. the applicant was awarded the DFC for his heroic actions in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN); b. in August 2009, the Commander, HRC disapproved forwarding a recommendation to the Senior Army Decorations...
AF | BCMR | CY2008 | BC-2008-01826
In support of his request, the applicant submits his personal statement, Congressional correspondence, recommendations from his former commander/Director of Combat Operations Fifth Air Force, narrative recommendations, proposed citations, a statement from his wingman on the 28 June 1952 mission, extracts from his personal copies of his military records to include flight records, mission reports, a copy of the only other DSC awarded in the wing, translated Russian mission reports for...
ARMY | BCMR | CY2015 | 20150001250
The applicant states the DFC he was awarded for action in the A Shau Valley in Vietnam should be upgraded to the DSC. He provides: * USARV Form 157-R (Recommendation for Decoration for Valor or Merit) * Proposed Citation for the DFC * General Orders for the DFC, dated 9 July 1969 * DFC Award Certificate * DFC Award Citation * General Orders for the DFC for the co-pilot of the aircraft * Information paper, subject: A Shau Valley-Private First Class (PFC), by J___ F__ * five letters of...
AF | BCMR | CY2005 | BC-2005-02073
The SAFPC evaluation is at Exhibit F. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Counsel states, among other things, that but for the applicant’s actions on 5 June 1944, the mission’s command pilot would have been in severe shock and unconscious in a matter of minutes and incapable of the aircraft flight maneuvers for which he was later awarded the Medal of Honor. Based on the established 8th Air Force policy of...
ARMY | BCMR | CY2012 | 20120002765
The DD Form 214 he was issued lists the following awards: * National Defense Service Medal * Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) * RVN Campaign Medal (RVNCM) * ARCOM with V Device * Combat Medical Badge * BSM 8. Therefore, it would be appropriate and serve the interest of justice and equity to award him the first award of the AGCM for his qualifying period of honorable active duty service from 4 April 1968 through 4 January 1970, and to add this award to his record and DD Form 214. As a result,...
AF | BCMR | CY2014 | BC 2014 02153
STATEMENT OF FACTS: According to the information provided by the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA), on 6 Aug 45, the pilot was awarded the DSC for his work on the Manhattan Project and his participation in the first atomic bomb mission on 6 Aug 45. By his high degree of skill in directing work with the atomic bomb, and great personal risk in placing the powder charge in the bomb during flight, the former service member distinguished himself, reflecting the highest credit on...
ARMY | BCMR | CY2014 | 20140009231
The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 22 May 1967 for a period of 2 years under the warrant officer flight training program. Item 24 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) of the DD Form 214 issued at the time of his REFRAD shows he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Republic of Vietnam...
AF | BCMR | CY2011 | BC-2011-01560
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-01560 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, be corrected to reflect his award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The...
ARMY | BCMR | CY2003 | 2003089488C070403
The evidence of record confirms that the applicant was awarded the SS for gallantry in action on 4 February 1968, while he was serving as a specialist four (SP4) in the RVN. However, the evidence does show that the applicant’s record contains an administrative error that does not require action by the Board. Therefore, the Board requests that the ARBA Support Division-St. Louis administratively correct the records of the individual concerned to show he was awarded the Silver Star and that...
AF | BCMR | CY2005 | BC-2005-01651
________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPPPR recommends the applicant’s request for issuance of the PH, DFC and BSM to her late husband be denied, and states, in part, that no official documentation has been provided to show the member was recommended for, or awarded the DFC, BSM, and PH. RITA S. LOONEY Panel Chair MEMORANDUM FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS (AFBCMR) SUBJECT: XXXXXXXXX,...