Points system

[gdunk]

I have always asked and never found an exact answer. What exactly was the pionts system? What gave points? Were certain decorations worth more? Thanks.

[Bob Hudson]

A google search turns up several bits of info, including this:

 

"as of 1 Sep. 1945. Soldiers earned points according to # of months in the Army (1 pt. per month), # of months overseas (1 pt. per month), # of months in a combat zone (3 pts. per month), # of wounds received (6 pts. per Purple Heart) and # of dependent children under 18 (12 pts. per child). Additional credits were given for service performed with 5 pts. for every DSC, DSM, Legion of Merit, SS, DFC Soldiers Medal, BS, Air Medal, PH & Bronze Service Stars (Battle Participation Stars). Included were awards and decorations of foreign countries accepted and worn under War Dept. Regs. Each rank had its own required points for discharge. Colonels thru Majors needed 100 pts., Captains thru 2nd Lt's 85 pts., Warrant officers 80 pts. and enlisted men 80 pts. though that was dropped to 60 pts. by Nov."