Document: 370 U.S. 41 82 S.Ct. 1105 8 L.Ed.2d 321 J. B. BEARDv.Elvis STAHR, Jr., Secretary of the Army, et al. No. 648. May 28, 1962. Frederick Bernays Wiener, for appellant. Solicitor General Cox, Assistant Attorney Orrick and John G. Laughlin, appellees. PER CURIAM. 1 The judgment District Court is vacated cause remanded with directions to dismiss complaint. action premature. appellant will not be removed from active list Regular Army unless exercises discretionary authority remove him conferred by 10 U.S.C. § 3794, U.S.C.A. 3794. has stated that he so exercise his discretion as If does it unnecessary pass on constitutional objections which have been urged. removed, satisfied adequate procedures seeking redress open him. Compare Aircraft & Diesel Equipment Corp. v. Hirsch, 331 752, 772 773, 67 1493, 1503, 91 L.Ed. 1796. Accordingly, application a stay denied. 2 Judgment directions. 3 THE CHIEF JUSTICE opinion further consideration question jurisdiction should postponed hearing case merits would grant stay. 4 Mr. Justice FRANKFURTER took no part in decision this case. 5 DOUGLAS, whom BLACK concurs, dissenting. 6 Appellant Major temporary rank Lieutenant Colonel. He served World War II received Bronze Star Medal. at present had over 19 years federal service eligible retirement November But charge against military record reflects exemplary conduct high efficiency ratings. 7 These faithful now gone largely naught under an Board Review recommending given general discharge. Whatever may be, I believe procedure used violated our standards fairness. Under statute here question, 3792(c), officer faced carries burden proof 'he retained list.' 9 held there was objection placing officer. 200 F.Supp. 766, 775. It reasoned since President could summarily,* Congress place one 'the onus convincing superiors eliminated.' Ibid. Dismissal thing; dismissal stigma, here, quite another. stigma severe penalty. In comparable situations, Government required carry proof. Kwong Hai Chew Rogers, 103 U.S.App.D.C. 228, 257 F.2d 606; Wood Hoy, Cir., 266 825, 830. Unless meticulously maintained, discharge race, religion, political opinion, or beliefs masquerade unproved charges. This right, like right heard, basic society. Cf. Joint Anti-Fascist Refugee Committee McGrath, 341 123, 168, 71 624, 646, 95 817 (concurring opinion); Beilan Public Education, 357 399, 421—423, 78 1317, 1330—1331, 1414 (dissenting Wieman Updegraff, 344 183, 191, 73 215, 218, 97 216. There second reason why we remand new hearing. witness whose testimony critical called. Confrontation cross-examination are, understand law, vital when one's employment rights are involved (see Greene McElroy, 360 474, 496, 79 1400, 1413, 1377)—the factor distinguishes Cafeteria Restaurant Workers, etc. 367 886, 81 1743, 1230, where only access base. Perhaps missing accuser—whose activities were described uncomplimentary terms Rittenour Columbia, D.C.Mun.App., 163 A.2d 558—would made such unbecoming dismissed Faceless informers often effective if they need take stand. A fair requires production accuser can test character reliability. That very close 1123, Misc., Williams Zuckert, granted certiorari other day. 369 884, 1166. heard one. 11 think ripe review. Once approves challenged, severed less than honorable wrong committed, assume recover restores any loss salary pension. More dollars, however, involved: stake man's professional standing, character, claim Where departs statutory standard prescribes basis discharges issued, courts intervene. See Harmon Brucker, 355 579, 433, 503. Though Court's read indicating collateral proceeding set aside direct lie, nonetheless halt irregular limine. For dealing 'conduct officer,' heavy stigma. As Winthrop said: 'Though amount crime, must offend seriously justice, morality decorum expose disgrace, socially man, offender, same time nature committed circumstances bring dishonor disrepute upon profession represents.' Military Law Precedents (2d ed. 1896) 1104. 12 declaratory relief accorded, certainly (Bland Connally, 110 375, 293 852), injunction timely prevent injustice. recently stated: 'We conceded characterized result serious injury. means numerous benefits both state systems, but also results unmistakable social greatly limits opportunities public private civilian employment.' 381, 852, 858. 13 reverse below accorded comports requirements due process. * Which, course, mistaken premise. Wiener United States, 349, 1275, 1377; Blake 227, 231, 26 462.

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