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Original Military Documents
More about information in Dad's Military Documents
No Time Lost Under AW107
Keeping Score - The ASR
The ASR or Advanced Service Rating Points System found on the
Enlisted Record and Report of Separation
was used to determine a soldier's eligibility for discharge. The higher the score, the closer one was to going home.
At the end of the war in Europe, 85 points were required for discharge. This was later lowered to 75 as demobilization continued and finally reached 60 in November 1945.
Many found the system confusing and it did not apply to all servicemen. For example, pilots went home after 25 combat missions regardless of points accumulated, although they still remained in the service.
The points were awarded as follows: 1 point for each month served in the Army, 1 point for each month served overseas, 5 points for each campaign star worn on theater ribbons, 5 points for the first and each award received such as Distinquished Service Cross, etc., and 12 points for each child at home under 18 years of age (up to 3 children).
Points were awarded for months served between 16 September 1940 and 12 May 1945.
According to his records, Dad's score was 70 as of 2 September 1945 (the day the Instrument of Surrender was signed by the Japanese). He was in the Army from 6 October 1942 until 27 October 1945. Since the Army stopped counting on 12 May 1945 this is actually 31 points.
He was overseas from 20 January 1943 to 20 July 1945. This was worth 29 points. His Asiatic-Pacific Service Ribbon has 2 stars which were worth 10 points.
31 + 29 + 10 = 70.
More about the
Points System.
Dad's Enlisted Record and Report of Separation indicates NO TIME LOST UNDER AW107,
which is more commonly known as AWOL - Absent Without Leave.
Although the implication of AWOL is generally not good, this was not necessarily the case.
A soldier might have been delayed traveling between military assignments and this would count towards AW107. If any days were indicated, they had to be made-up before discharge.
Dad did not have to make up any time prior to discharge.
Lapel Button Issued
The National Defense Lapel Button (original, left; plastic replica, right) was issued to personnel
having been Honorably Discharged from the service.
It was not intended
for uniform wear but rather on civilian clothes.
Dad's separation record indicates "Lapel Button Issued."
It is more commonly known as The Ruptured Duck.
