From the archives: World War 2 ends, how GI's rated for discharge

This story was originally published in Newsday on May 10, 1945

Here’s how to Rate GIs for Discharge:

Some of the questions troubling Long island parents of men, in service were partially answered yesterday by the Army and by War Mobilizer Fred. M. Vinson. Hard on the heels of an Army announcement that it plans to withdraw some 3,100,000 troops from Europe by water and air at a rate of 250,000 to 300,000 monthly, Vinson revealed additional details of the point system under which 1,300,000 soldiers with long overseas records will be discharged during the next 12 months.

While there was no way of estimating how many of them would reach hereabouts, Gen. Brehon B. Somervell, chief of the Army Services revealed that the first 45,000 soldiers would get home during May. He estimated they would begin reaching their homes on furlough or discharge from personnel centers throughout the country a week or 10 days after landing.

A full announcement of the Army demobilization plan, including the number of points to be awarded for each credit in four classifications-length of service, overseas service, combat and parenthood-was to be made today by the War Dept.

Vinson said yesterday the selection will be made through “the application of fair and impartial standards based on the views of the enlisted personnel themselves.”

“These standards,” he said, “provide consideration for each enlisted man or woman as an individual. The adjusted service rating score will be computed with an allowance of the following credits:

“Service credit - based upon the total number of months of Army service since Sept. 16, 1940.

“Overseas credit - an additional credit based on the number of months served overseas.

“Combat credit – based upon each battle participation star, and each award of the following decorations: medal of honor, distinguished service cross, legion of merit, silver star, distinguished flying cross, soldier’s medal, bronze star medal, purple heart, and air medal.

“Parenthood credit – credits for each dependent child under18 years up to a limit of three children.

“The Army has a somewhat similar system for officers. However, because of the character of their duties, the element of military essentiality will play a larger part in the decision.

“After the scores of all enlisted personnel are known, the War Department will determine a “critical score.”  The ‘critical score’ is that score at or above which an individual will be considered for demobilization.”