BOARD DATE: 4 June 2015
DOCKET NUMBER: AR20140018322
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, the daughter of a deceased former service member (FSM), requests on her father's behalf correction of his DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States) to show the Bronze Star Medal and Silver Star.
2. The applicant states she believes her father received the Bronze Star Medal and Silver Star but it is not shown on his DD Form 214 or in his records. His records may have been destroyed in the fire of 1973.
3. The applicant provides the FSM's DD Form 214, a marriage certificate, and a death certificate.
CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:
1. The FSM's military record is not available to the Board for review. A fire destroyed approximately 18 million service members records at the National Personnel Records Center in 1973. It is believed that the FSM's records were lost or destroyed in that fire. However, the applicant provided the FSM's DD Form 214 which is sufficient for the Board to conduct a fair and impartial review of this case.
2. The FSM's DD Form 214 shows he enlisted in the Regular Army Infantry Branch on 4 September 1950. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant first class (SFC) on 20 June 1953. His most significant duty assignment was with Company K, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Korea.
3. He was honorably discharged on 5 September 1953 in the rank of SFC. He completed 3 years of creditable active service. The specific dates of his service in Korea are not shown; however, his DD Form 214 shows he was wounded in action in Korea on 19 July 1952 and that he was awarded the Purple Heart.
4. His DD Form 214 does not show award of the Bronze Star Medal or Silver Star. His reconstructed record is void of orders showing award of the Bronze Star Medal and the Silver Star.
5. The FSM died on 4 November 2013.
6. Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states:
a. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded in time of war for heroism and for meritorious achievement or service. As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.
b. The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry in action against the enemy. The required gallantry (spirited and conspicuous acts of heroism and courage) must have been performed with marked distinction. As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
1. The governing Army regulation states that formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required for personal decorations, which include the Bronze Star Medal and the Silver Star.
2. The FSM's available record is void of orders awarding him the Bronze Star Medal and the Silver Star. Regrettably, in the absence of orders to show he was awarded these medals, there is insufficient evidence to correct his DD Form 214 to show these awards.
3. This action in no way diminishes the sacrifices made by the FSM in service to our Nation. The applicant and all Americans should be justifiably proud of his service in arms.
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) AR20140018322
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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20140018322
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