IN THE CASE OF:
BOARD DATE: 15 September 2015
DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150001748
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 the award of the Purple Heart be added to her deceased husband's (a former service member (FSM)) DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge).
2. The applicant states her husband was wounded in Vietnam.
3. The applicant provides the FSM's death certificate.
CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:
1. On 29 June 1966, the FSM was inducted into the Army of the United States.
2. The FSM was assigned to the 324th Signal Company in the Republic of Vietnam from 25 October 1967 - 18 November 1967. He was attached/assigned to the 52nd Signal Battalion from 19 November 1967 - 12 June 1968. He participated in three campaigns.
3. 1st Signal Brigade (U.S. Strategic Command) General Orders Number 499, dated 21 June 1968, awarded the FSM the Purple Heart for wounds received on 23 May 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam.
4. On 19 June 1968, he was released from active duty. He completed 1 year,
11 months, and 21 days of active service that was characterized as honorable.
5. His DD Form 214 shows he was awarded or authorized:
* National Defense Service Medal
* Vietnam Service Medal
* Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960)
* Army Good Conduct Medal
* Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar
6. He died on 20 July 2014.
7. Department of the Army Pamphlet 672-3 (Unit Citation and Campaign Participation Credit Register) lists campaign participation credit, assault landing credit, and unit citation emblems awarded during the Vietnam Conflict.
a. The 324th Signal Company was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for the period 25 October 1967 - 31 May 1968.
b. All units assigned in Vietnam from 8 February 1962 through 28 March 1973 were awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, based on Department of the Army General Order Number 8, dated 1974.
8. Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the award of a bronze service star is authorized based on qualifying service for each campaign listed in Table B-1 (Campaigns, Service Requirements, and Inscriptions Prescribed for Streamers). Authorized service stars will be worn on the appropriate campaign medal, including the Vietnam Service Medal.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
1. Orders show the FSM was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received on 23 May 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam.
2. The FSM was assigned to the 324th Signal Company during the period the unit was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
3. The FSM was assigned to a unit in the Republic of Vietnam during the period all units were awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation. He participated in three campaigns during his service in the Republic of Vietnam. Therefore, he is authorized to have his DD Form 214 show three bronze service stars on his already-awarded Vietnam Service Medal.
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 amending his DD Form 214 with an effective date of 19 June 1968 as follows:
a. Delete the Vietnam Service Medal.
b. Add the:
* Purple Heart
* Meritorious Unit Commendation
* Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars
* Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation
____________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) AR20150001748
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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20150001748
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