Point System/ Return Home

[connie]

One discussion brought up questions about the Post V-E Day "Point System" for determining a soldier's eligibility for discharge. Here are Carl's words on the subject:

t was not uncommon for soldiers to be reassigned to a different unit in the late stages of the war. Like Connie mentioned, this had to do with the 'points' system devised by the Army. A soldier needed 85 to be discharged, otherwise further service was required. Since the 106th was deactivated in October 1945, your grandfather was probably transferred before that time and continued with the occupation army in Europe.
106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=looking&thread=501&page=1#1717

Details on the "Point System" (officially Adjusted Service Rating - ASR) can be found here: users.skynet.be/jeeper/point.html

Initially, from what I read, an enlisted man needed to score 85pts to be considered for the demobilization. (After VJ Day the points needed were lowered to 80 and I believe they were lowered again.)
The scores were determined as for each:
* Month in service = 1 pt
* Month in service overseas = 1 pt
* Combat award (including medal and battle stars) = 5 pts
* Dependant child under 18 = 12 pts (issued for up to 3 children)
Time of service was calculated from no earlier than September 16, 1940. Battles and awards were also only accepted from a predetermined list.

[connie]

In the case of officers, I know that these points were not the only things that determined eligibility for discharge. Dad counted up his points hoping to go home for good, but up until the Victory in Japan the fact that he had enough points for discharge made no difference.

He was slated for a 30 day leave to be followed by shipment to the Pacific. VJ day happened while he was on the way to port. But that's another story...

[Diana E]

My grandpa was one of the enlistees who was a few years older than most in WWII. He was in his mid 20s in 1944. He said he was given points for time he had served in the National Guard a few years before. He also had two young daughters at home, which I see gave him a big point boost.

[connie]

Mid twenties was practically a Sr. Citizen in this outfit. Dad was 28 -- really, really old! So... did the point system (with kids and national guard service) give your grandfather enough of a point boost to get him home in 1945?

Connie

[floydragsdale]

There was one fly in the Army Point system. Believe me, it was used as a threat by those who were attempting to "sway, or persuade" a Soldier into or out of making a decision.

During WWII a Soldier was the property of the Army for the DURATION PLUS SIX MONTHS. The end of the "duration of the War" in Europe was declared, officially, by the U.S. Government on the 19th of October 1951.

That threat was used on this Soldier when it was time to go the U.S.A. for discharge in 1946. I was doing the job of a 1st Sgt. (wearing 1st Sgt. stripes too) and getting a Corporal's pay. The Recruiting Officer visited with me; promised a 1st Sgt. pay beginning the very next day if I simply re-enlisted. Giving his offer some thought, I said, "OK, however on one condition!" "What condition, he said." No more infantry for this soldier, was my reply. The Army can't guarantee that, he responded.

Then, bye, bye Army said I. Next, he sprung the Duration Plus Six months on me. Shrugging my shoulders and doing an about face, I walked away.

That was early in March 1946; by April 9th 1946 with discharge in hand, I was a civilian once more and was on my way home.

Floyd
424th