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Q438: The 49th Armor Div. was mobilized on October 15,1961 because of the Berlin Crises. This was a federal order by the president of the United States John F. Kennedy. I was there. Am I a war veteran?
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A1: I think if they had 90 days they are, that's what the sink was a week ago the DoD was going to discharge the national guard one day before the had their 90 days. (PM) 6/4/20
A2: You may be. The official dates for the Vietnam War are 28 February 1961 to 7 May 1975. Take any records you have regarding your call-up to your County Veterans Service Officer or a Service Officer for a major Veterans Organization (American Legion, VFW, DAV, AMVETS, etc.) and see what they say. (DJ) 6/4/20
A3: Here is what constitutes veteran status:
What is a Veteran Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations defines a veteran as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. This definition explains that any individual that completed a service for any branch of armed forces classifies as a veteran as long as they were not dishonorably discharged.
Berlin hasn't been considered a "War", it was an occupied city which as a service member assigned to the city for 30 days or more the " German Occupation Medal" up and till the early 90's. (KN) 6/4/20
A4: Only if you were there and war was officially declared. (LW) 6/4/20
A5: The 49th Armored Division (TXARNG) was federalized for that incident. You are a veteran however the 49th did not leave their Mobilization Station and saw no action except in the night spots around the Mob Station. Bottom line you a veteran and entitled to all rights within the VA system. You can join the American Legion and the DAV if you have filed for and are receiving disability compensation. If you have not filed and think you have an injury or illness contact an accredited VSO with the American Legion, DAV, VFW or TX Dept of Veterans Affairs with your 214 from that mobilization. Remember you are an Army veteran just like the rest of us. (GH) 6/4/20