Points in US Army

Raf · #1

After V-Day, some soldiers were allowed to go back to the USA immediately, because the had earned enough points. Others had to stay as an occupation force. These points were given for medails and injuries. How did this system worked. How did a GI earned points and how many did he need to go home ?

Requin Marteau · #2

85 points for go home ( 5 points = Bronze Star)

Andy H · #3

Interesting question RAF, and I cant help one iota, though I knew that Aircrew were sent home after so many missions, but I'm not sure if anything similar existed in the Navy?

Andy from the Shire

Raf · #4

Thanks, Requin. Great help.

Raf · #5

Andy H wrote:Interesting question RAF, and I cant help one iota, though I knew that Aircrew were sent home after so many missions, but I'm not sure if anything similar existed in the Navy?

Andy from the Shire

I can imagine that there was a system like that in the Navy too. Maybe someone has some information. Aircrew were sent home after 25 missions for bombers and 50 for fighters. Correct me when I'm wrong.

David C. Clarke · #6

Hi Raf, I believe it was 50 missions for Bomber Crews. I'm not certain for fighter pilots, but 50 seems too low for the USAAF in WWII. Best Regards, David

Raf · #7

David C. Clarke wrote:Hi Raf, I believe it was 50 missions for Bomber Crews. I'm not certain for fighter pilots, but 50 seems too low for the USAAF in WWII. Best Regards, David

I'm not certain. I have to look it up.

Daniel L · #8

Didn't they lower those points gradually throughout the end of the war?

regards

Phaethon · #9

Here's a USMC Vet's accounting of his service points:

Next stop was Long Island, NY -- worked in Records and found out I had enough points to get a discharge. Points: 1 point for each month in service, 2 points for each months overseas, 5 points for every ribbon, and 5 points for each additional star. 85 Points were needed for discharge; I had about 125 and received my discharge out of Bainbridge, MD.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Esta ... 5usmc.html

This site gives detailed information on the demobilization of Dental Corps:
http://www.armymedicine.army.mil/histor ... al/ch9.htm

I haven't dug deeper into this site, there may be more there.

ISTR several tales of USAAF aircrew reaching their target to return home only to find the threshold had been raised. In films, complaints of this happening usually indicated that the crew would be shot down soon.

And didn't Hawkeye suffer a similar moving of the goalposts in MASH?

K.
--
Ken Cocker, London

Andy H · #10

Each child under 18 (maximum of 3) 12 points:
No wonder people were keen to go on leave

Phaethon · #11

Andy H wrote:Each child under 18 (maximum of 3) 12 points:
No wonder people were keen to go on leave

Yes, the maximum is necessary because the rule does not specify legitimate children or children born to allied/enemy nationals.

K.