Posted on Oct 11, 2017
Is this one of the oddest military retirement documents ever?
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This is a document certifying the retirement from the Army of Sergeant Major Henry Gettman, my father, issued in 2004, twenty-one years after my dad passed away and thirty-three years after he retired. The certificate, a DD 363A, which didn't exist until August 1999, is dated 17 December 1971 and signed by Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Eric Shinseki, who wasn't Chief of Staff of the Army when this was issued. My former troop commander from the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, Pete Schoomaker was.
Here is the story....my dad was retired in 1971 while a sergeant major with 37 years service. He was retired as a first lieutenant though because of a battlefield commission he received during WW II. It really pissed my dad off but he thought there was nothing he could do and went along with the program.
In 2003 I contacted the Department of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records, sending them a 72 page letter detailing my dad's career and explaining how it was a slap in the face to retire him as first lieutenant. The board agreed and his retirement rank was changed in 2004. Shown here is the new certificate, the original certificate, and part of the letter from DoA.
Here is the story....my dad was retired in 1971 while a sergeant major with 37 years service. He was retired as a first lieutenant though because of a battlefield commission he received during WW II. It really pissed my dad off but he thought there was nothing he could do and went along with the program.
In 2003 I contacted the Department of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records, sending them a 72 page letter detailing my dad's career and explaining how it was a slap in the face to retire him as first lieutenant. The board agreed and his retirement rank was changed in 2004. Shown here is the new certificate, the original certificate, and part of the letter from DoA.
Edited 7 y ago
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 10
Great story! I ask at which grade did he collect retirement pay? I'll bet he cashed every retirement check issued at the O-2 over 30 years rate. I honor your Dad's service in all his ranks, but it's really not an insult to be an officer.
Before DOPMA, some NCOs held "hip pocket" commissions from temporary promotion on battlefield or in Reserves. They were allowed to retire in their highest and more lucrative grade. Biggest difference I saw was an E-7 who retired as an O-5 due to Reserve service, activation for Korea, and electing to remain on active duty after being passed over for O-6.
Before DOPMA, some NCOs held "hip pocket" commissions from temporary promotion on battlefield or in Reserves. They were allowed to retire in their highest and more lucrative grade. Biggest difference I saw was an E-7 who retired as an O-5 due to Reserve service, activation for Korea, and electing to remain on active duty after being passed over for O-6.
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PFC David Gettman
His retirement was off-set by his 100% disability, which he had to fight for. He only had 29 years active 1942-71 with 8 years Army National Guard prior to that, 1930-38. He was also retired a Major in the Reserves in 1962 while on active duty in Korea as a Master Sergeant.
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PFC David Gettman
And he was very proud to be an officer, but not an O-2 with that many years under his belt.
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MSgt Cornelius Calvin
As a very proud retired MSgt, there is absolutely nothing wrong with retiring as any rank. It is a grand thing to be given the honor of being promoted in the field to an officer.
I understand the old school mentality, but we should be proud of our officer corps too. RIP Maj Doug Zimbec
I understand the old school mentality, but we should be proud of our officer corps too. RIP Maj Doug Zimbec
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The document doesn't seem all that odd, but I imagine the rest of the story behind it is quite interesting. I'd be curious to hear the tale of the battlefield commission, and I'm assuming he resigned it following the war to go back to being Enlisted?
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PFC David Gettman
CPL Gettman, home on leave in 1943 fresh from serving a year as training cadre at the Cavalry Replacement Training Center, Ft Riley, Kansas, wearing his Distinguished Marksman's Badge. He was on his way to the 99th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, 99th Infantry Division. The division would find itself firmly anchored on the northern shoulder of the Bulge.
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PFC David Gettman
SGT Matthew S. - Thank you. I just touched on a few of the highlights. D My dad was pretty unique.
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