IN THE CASE OF:	   

		BOARD DATE:	  6 February 2014

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20130010821 


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 Air Assault Badge.

2.  The applicant states he was awarded the Air Medal and thought he would also receive the Air Assault Badge.  He briefly recounts a brief history which relates that the Air Assault Badge was worn by the 11th Air Assault Division.  It merged with the 2nd Infantry Division to become the 1st Cavalry Division.  Prior to 1974 the Air Assault Badge was called the Air Mobile Badge.  He cites his orders from the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) and says he was in Vietnam when these changes to the division took place.

3.  The applicant provides copies of service record documents including orders, certificates, and citations for personal decorations.

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice.  This provision of law also allows the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to excuse an applicant's failure to timely file within the 3-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so.  While it appears the applicant did not file within the time frame provided in the statute of limitations, the ABCMR has elected to conduct a substantive review of this case and, only to the extent relief, if any, is granted, has determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to timely file.  In all other respects, there are insufficient bases to waive the statute of limitations for timely filing.

2.  The applicant was inducted on 26 November 1967 and trained as a light weapons infantryman.  

3.  He served in Vietnam from 23 May 1968 to 12 March 1969 with the 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). 

4.  He was released from active duty on 25 November 1969. Neither his DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) nor his DD Form 214 (Report of Transfer or Discharge) shows either the Air Assault Badge or the Air Mobile Badge.

5.  The applicants DD Form 214 has been corrected to update his awards to include the Purple Heart (First Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with "V and First Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.

6.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states award of the Air Assault Badge requires satisfactory completion of an air assault training course according to the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command standardized Air Assault Core Program of Instruction, or completion of the standard Air Assault Course while assigned or attached to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) after 1 April 1974.

7.  Neither Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam Regulation 672-1 (Decorations and Awards), dated 1 July 1969 nor Headquarters, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Regulation 672-1(Decorations Awards and Honors), dated 15 May 1972 list the Air Assault or the Air Mobile Badge as an authorized Award. 

8.  Some historical background on the Air Assault Badge is as follows:

	a.  According to the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry, "The Air Assault Badge was approved by the Chief of Staff, Army, on 18 January 1978, for Army-wide wear by individuals who successfully completed Air Assault training after 1 April 1974.  The badge had previously been approved as the Airmobile Badge authorized for local wear by the Commander of the 101st Airborne Division, effective 1 April 1974.  The division had been reorganized from parachute to airmobile in mid-1968 in Vietnam and designated the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile).  The parenthetical designation changed to Air Assault on 4 October 1974 and the name of the badge was likewise changed.

	b.  The internet website en.wikipedia.org reports an earlier Air Assault Badge was worn in the early 1960s by troops of the 11th Airborne Division who qualified for it by making three helicopter rappels from 60 feet and three from 120 feet.   Soldiers were also required to be knowledgeable of aircraft safety procedures; familiar with aircraft orientation; proficient in hand and arm signals and combat assault operations; able to prepare, inspect and rig equipment for external sling loads; and able to lash down equipment inside helicopters.  The badge was first awarded in early 1964 and was only authorized for wear by Soldiers within the 11th Airborne Division, as it was a division award and not authorized for Army-wide wear by the Department of the Army.  On 30 June 1965, the colors of the 11th Air Assault Division were inactivated and its assets merged with the 2nd Infantry Division to become the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).  Shortly thereafter the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) was sent to Vietnam.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  Unfortunately, there is no available evidence that the Air Assault Badge, the Air Mobile Badge or any similar award was an officially adopted award during the period the applicant served on active duty.

2.  The applicant is correct that the 11th Airborne Division, which wore an earlier version of the Air Assault Badge, merged with the 2nd Infantry Division to form the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) and he served in that division.  The concepts of helicopter borne air mobility and aerial assault and attendant development of the Air Assault Badge was evolving during that period; however, there is no available evidence that the applicant was ever recommended or authorized even a local award that recognized such activities.  Furthermore, the governing regulations did not authorize any such award.

3.  In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant's request.

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 for correction of the records of the individual concerned.




      ____________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)                                         AR20130010821





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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20130010821



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