The Points System
( Advanced Service Rating Score)
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The Advanced Service Rating Score was a scoring system that awarded points to World War II soldiers and was used to determine who was sent home first. At the end of the war in Germany and Italy, a total of 85 points were required for a soldier to be allowed to return to the States. Otherwise, if you had less than 85 points, you could expect to continue to serve in the Army and most likely be sent to fight the Japanese.
Sometimes officers and enlisted men were designated as essential and retained in service regardless of their points.
When the Japanese surrendered, the Point System was still used to determine who was sent home and who remained as occupation troops. A few weeks after the Japanese surrender, the points were lowered to 75. Throughout next several months, the point level was further reduced, allowing more and more troops to be discharged.
With both the wars in Europe and Japan concluded, most servicemen couldn't wait to be discharged and move on with their civilian lives. Points were meticulously counted and watched until their turn came to go home!
Points were awarded for the following:
+1 |
Point for each month of service |
+1 |
Point for each month overseas |
+5 |
Points for first & each award received : |
+5 |
Campaign stars worn on theater ribbons |
+12 |
Points for each child (< 18 yrs) |
For example, a GI who had who had been in service for 3 years with 2 years spent overseas, would receive 36 points plus 24 points. Then if he also received a Purple Heart, served in 2 campaigns (such as North Apennines and Po Valley), and had one child then his score would be:
ASR Score = 36 + 24 + 5 + 10 + 12 = 89 Enough to go home!