IN THE CASE OF:
BOARD DATE: 7 December 2010
DOCKET NUMBER: AR20100013226
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 reconsideration of his earlier request for correction of his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show award of the Combat Infantryman Badge.
2. The applicant states he was a squad leader in the Republic of Vietnam where he served as an infantryman. He contends that he took his turn on perimeter guard, went on patrols, and escorted convoys with supplies. He further contends that he was a door gunner several days a week on a helicopter. As a squad leader he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for ground operations and he was awarded the Air Medal as a door gunner.
3. The applicant provides a copy of the previous Record of Proceedings.
CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:
1. Incorporated herein by reference are military records which were summarized in the previous consideration of the applicant's case by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) in Docket Number AR20090013339, on 2 February 2010.
2. The applicant provides additional argument concerning the basis for his award of the Bronze Star Medal and Air Medal that requires consideration by the Board.
3. In the original proceedings, the Board determined that while the applicant did hold a qualifying MOS and he was assigned to an infantry unit of brigade, regimental, or smaller size, the available evidence was insufficient to establish that he served in active ground combat.
4. Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) provides that the Combat Infantryman Badge is awarded to infantry officers and to enlisted and warrant officer persons who have an infantry military occupational specialty (MOS). They must have served in active ground combat while assigned or attached to an infantry unit of brigade, regimental or smaller size.
5. U.S. Army Vietnam (USARV) Regulation Number 672-1 (Awards and Decorations), in effect at the time, specifically governed award of the Combat Infantryman Badge to Army forces operating in South Vietnam. This regulation specifically stated that criteria for award of the Combat Infantryman Badge identified the man who trained, lived, and fought as an infantryman and the Combat Infantryman Badge is the unique award established to recognize the infantryman and only the infantryman for his service. Further, "the Combat Infantryman Badge is not an award for being shot at or for undergoing the hazards of day to day combat." This regulation also stated the Combat Infantryman Badge was authorized for award to infantry officers and to enlisted and warrant officer persons who have an infantry MOS and required that they must have served in active ground combat while assigned or attached to an infantry unit of brigade, regimental or smaller size. Additionally Appendix V of USARV 672-1 provides that during the Vietnam era the Combat Infantryman Badge was awarded only to enlisted individuals who held and served in MOS 11B, 11C, 11D, 11F, 11G, or 11H.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
1. The applicant's assertion that he performed duties in combat as an infantryman are not supported by any documentary evidence either in the record or provided by the applicant.
2. Furthermore, his contention that the award of the Bronze Star Medal for ground operations supports his argument is insufficient because most awards for meritorious service in the Republic of Vietnam stated they were given in support of ground operations. This did not necessarily mean the Soldier actually served in active ground combat.
3. In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant's requested relief.
BOARD VOTE:
________ ________ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF
________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF
________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING
____X___ ___X____ ____X___ DENY APPLICATION
BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:
The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice. Therefore, the Board determined that the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis to amend the decision of the ABCMR set forth in Docket Number AR20090013339, on 2 February 2010.
__________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) AR20100013226
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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20100013226
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