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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/My fathers Undesirable Discharge for a mental disorder

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/29/2010


Question
Hi My dad now 75 years of age was discharged from the Army in 1954 for an Anti-social behavior problem diagnosed by a Army psychiatrist and given a Undesirable Discharge is that fair?

Answer
James,
After 56 years it's hard to prove what was fair.  The military was a completely different animal back then.  Army members had few rights and were at the mercy of physicians who often made judgments based upon whatever was expeditious.

1954 would have been right after the Korean War when the U.S. Congress decided to draw-down the size of the military.  People were discharged in large numbers to get the military down to a manageable force and save money.

Back in the 1970's Undesirable Discharges were upgraded to a General Discharge so Servicemembers could receive VA medical care.  In all probability your dad's was upgraded without him knowing it.  You need to contact the VA to see if they can help him with medical care.  You should probably also contact your local chapter of the American Legion.  They can help him determine if he has any entitlements.

I salute him for his service.
Colonel H

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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