BOARD DATE:	  8 October 2009

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20090012681 


THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE:

1.  Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any).

2.  Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any).


THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant requests award of the Combat Medical Badge.

2.  The applicant states that the memorandum disapproving award of the Combat Medical Badge states that while under fire he was not performing his medical duties when in fact he was performing his medical duties by establishing the casualty collection point (CCP) and returning fire to prevent any Soldiers from being killed or wounded.

3.  The applicant provides a copy of a memorandum, dated 30 October 2008, and two sworn statements from fellow Soldiers in support of his application.   

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant is currently serving on active duty in the rank of specialist.  Records show his primary military occupational specialty (MOS) is 68W (health care specialist) and that he was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment during his assignment in Iraq. 

2.  There are no orders for the Combat Medical Badge in the available records.

3.  On an unknown date, the applicant requested award of the Combat Medical Badge for his service while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

4.  On 30 October 2008, the applicant's request for the badge was disapproved by the Chief, Military Awards Branch, U.S. Army Human Resources Command.  The memorandum cites paragraph 8-7b(4)(a) of Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) and states, in pertinent part, that the documentation provided by the applicant indicates that on 8 September 2007 the Joint Security Station came under heavy attack and that while in position on the roof top the applicant returned fire to suppress the enemy.  However, there is no mention of the applicant performing medical duties while his unit engaged in active ground combat to close with and destroy the enemy with direct fire; therefore, he does not meet the criteria for award of the Combat Medical Badge.   

5.  In support of his claim, the applicant provided two sworn statements from fellow Soldiers (a staff sergeant and a sergeant first class) assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.  They attest that on 8 September 2007 in Iraq the Joint Security Station came under heavy attack by insurgents and that as the platoon reacted and assumed their battle positions the applicant made sure the CCP was established according to standard operating procedures.  They state the applicant then ran on to the roof to check for any casualties and to provide any support necessary to the squads in contact and to prepare to evacuate casualties.  While on the roof, the applicant came under fire and was forced to defend his position, that he returned fire to suppress the enemy, and that he provided accurate fire and successfully suppressed the enemy in his section and contributed to the defense of the Joint Security Station. 

6.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent part, that the Combat Medical Badge is awarded to medical department personnel (colonel and below) who are assigned or attached to a medical unit of company or smaller size that is organic to an infantry unit of brigade, regimental, or smaller size which is engaged in active ground combat.  Battle participation credit is not sufficient; the infantry unit must have been in contact with the enemy and the Soldier must have been personally present and under fire during such ground combat.  The regulation states that the Combat Medical Badge was created as a "companion" badge to the Combat Infantryman Badge with criteria for its award intended to parallel that of the Combat Infantryman Badge.  It was designed to provide recognition to the field medic who accompanies the infantryman into battle and shares with the experiences unique to the infantry in combat.  The Combat Medical Badge is intended for, and awarded to, those medical personnel who accompany the infantryman into combat.  

7.  Paragraph 8-7b(4)(a) of Army Regulation 600-8-22 states that on or after 
18 September 2001, medical personnel assigned or attached to or under operational control of any ground Combat Arms units (not to include members assigned or attached to Aviation units) of brigade or smaller size, who satisfactorily performed medical duties while the unit is engaged in active ground combat, provided they are personally present and under fire are eligible for award of the Combat Medical Badge.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  Although the applicant's request for award of the Combat Medical Badge was denied by the Chief, Military Awards Branch, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, it appears he met the criteria and intent for award of the Combat Medical Badge.  

2.  The governing regulation states that the Combat Medical Badge was created as a "companion" badge to the Combat Infantryman Badge with criteria for its award intended to parallel that of the Combat Infantryman Badge.  It was designed to provide recognition to the field medic who accompanies the infantryman into battle and shares with the experiences unique to the infantry in combat.  The Combat Medical Badge is intended for, and awarded to, those medical personnel who accompany the infantryman into combat.  

3.  The applicant held a medical MOS, was assigned to the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and was personally present while engaged in actual ground combat on 8 September 2007 in Iraq.  The evidence of record also shows the applicant was performing his medical duties by establishing the CCP.  In the event of any injuries or casualties on that date, the applicant was there to provide direct medical support.  Therefore, there is sufficient evidence on which to base award of the Combat Medical Badge in this case.


BOARD VOTE:

___x____  ___x____  ____x___  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION





BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

The Board determined that the evidence presented was sufficient to warrant a recommendation for relief.  As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by:

	a.  awarding him the Combat Medical Badge; and

	b.  amending his DD Form 214 to add the Combat Medical Badge. 



      _______ _   __x_____   ___
               CHAIRPERSON
      
I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case.



ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20090012681





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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20090012681



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