It’s possible for him to have a Combat Action Ribbon because they were not authorized until 1969 and then retroactive for different actions and periods during the war involving certain units. If his DD214 was not updated I would guess that’s what the story is. Certain Vietnamese awards were added later too. However a PH would be added right away. Then a DD215 would have been issued but it’s not done automatically, the Veteran has to request it.
It’s possible for him to have a Combat Action Ribbon because they were not authorized until 1969 and then retroactive for different actions and periods during the war involving certain units. If his DD214 was not updated I would guess that’s what the story is. Certain Vietnamese awards were added later too. However a PH would be added right away. Then a DD215 would have been issued but it’s not done automatically, the Veteran has to request it.