Job Performance Record

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Here is a summary of Leroy J. Pletten's job performance as a federal employee (in the period starting 26 August 1969) pursuant to the federal "Ratings for performance" law   5 USC § 4304, and civil service performance rating rules.

This record shows Pletten's pattern of above average, exemplary performance, better than colleagues as managers repeatedly documented, including by promoting Pletten five grades, from GS-7 to GS-12, in under five years (26 August 1969 - 23 June 1974).

6/12/1967 Graduation from University of Minnesota With High Distinction (3.91 GPA, 180 quarter credits).

1967 - 1969, University of Wisconsin Graduate School in M.A. Program (33 semester credits). Changed priorities, to serve nation. Chose Department of Army, a large federal employer with a diverse, complex, multi-occupation workforce, with priorities and organizational structure subject to significant changes pursuant to national priorities and needs, and with policy of developing personnel managers with expertise in the full range of personnel management occupations. (Personnel management has since been renamed as "human resources"; for consistency with the record, the then term is used herein).

8/26/1969 Qualified and hired at the Army Tank-Automotive Command, with over 5,000 employees, as Personnel Management Specialist, GS-201-7, Job No. 13583. (Bachelor's degree required). Promptly began developing knowledge of personnel management laws, principles, policies, and procedures pursuant to the five-point knowledge development program (position classification, staffing, employee and labor relations, training development, and employee benefits). Developed superior skill in researching, evaluating, interpreting, and presenting personnel management regulations and policies, and applying interpersonal skills, to provide optimum recommended solutions, and to influence others to adhere to program and policy objectives.

11/06/1969 Letter of Appreciation from a serviced organization supervisor, Edward Peszko, saying:

"During the recent Wage and Salary Survey . . . Leroy J. Pletten . . . contributed immensely in the proposed revisions of the job descriptions . . . assisted in resolving problem areas, readily and clearly answered questions, provided various suggestions and in many ways aided this Branch in meeting its target date.

"Such commendable dedication to duty and contribution to a very tedious and time consuming task is indeed worthy of special mention. Without such able assistance, there is no doubt in my mind, that a serious problem would have developed.

"The contribution made [was] of such professional nature that [it] cast an excellent reflection on the entire Personnel Office. Please accept my personal and sincere 'thanks' for a job well done."

11/06/1969 Personnel Director LTC Edward F. Washington immediately forwarded this praise, and said

"It is a pleasure to note and pass on the attached letter . . . Please extend . . . my appreciation for . . . fine efforts which reflected favorably on our Directorate."

11/26/1969 Personnel Officer Fred R. Goss in turn forwarded that praise, saying:

"To Colonel Washington's comments, I add my sincere thanks and appreciation for the services you provided Mr. Edward Peszko. Although Mr. Peszko is only one employee of the Command who took the time to write the letter, I am sure he expressed the unwritten feelings of many of our employees."

9/06/1970 Promotion to Personnel Management Specialist, GS-201-9, Job # 13584, based on Pletten's qualifications (Master's degree or equivalent-in-experience required). Continued developing and fine-tuning the full range of personnel skills.

9/19/1971 Promotion to Employee Relations Specialist, GS-230-11, Job No. DA-913-1. (Ph.D. or equivalent-in-experience required). Was assigned organizations totaling approximately 1000 people to service, evaluate, and develop any needed program improvements.

Late 1971 TACOM began the employee Recognition Plan for employees with low use of sick leave. (This was done in conjunction with Comptroller staff.) Analyses by Pletten and others had shown a need to reduce workforce apparent excess use of sick leave.

11/1971 Well-liked and respected by his fellow workers, Pletten was elected by them to the Civilian Welfare Fund Council (CWFC). The fellow CWFC members then elected Pletten its Chairman. CWFC functions included developing and/or financially supporting recreational, social, compassionate, and morale-related activities for the civilian work force. This included sponsorship of sports such as softball and basketball with both intramural and outside leagues for both men and women; Christmas activities; picnics or dances; flowers for deceased employees; employee emergency loans; and the biggest expense, the base newspaper. Pletten found that predecessors had left the CWFC near destitute by their failure to consult the pertinent regulation on alternate funding source for the latter. Under Pletten's leadership, the Commanding General, Joseph E. Pieklik, was approached; he reacted promptly, arranged the appropriate alternate funding. Pletten thus came to feel that when others have failed over a period of time, seek alternative persons in authority for sound resolution to come about promptly.

1/1972 Detailed to Technical Services Branch based upon Pletten's widely recognized ability to comprehend previously unfamiliar matters, master them overwhelmingly, then suggest and make improvements. Assignment was to analyze TACOM's then manual (non-computerized) personnel information system (record-keeping), and (in conjunction with computer programmers) invent computerized records, for example, to make usable retention registers, produce simultaneous thousands of DA Form 2515's for pay raises, assure timely employee career appraisal notices by devising a computerized notification system, and other innovations.

3/3/72 Letter of Appreciation on sick leave, as the recognition program began, from Personnel Director Col. Benjamin Safar as I

"used no sick leave . . . This is a commendable record and one of which you can be proud. Although the Employee Recognition Plan was initiated in 1971, I am aware that since your appointment to this Command, 26 August 1969, you have used no sick leave. You are further commended for your perseverance to attain this flawless record.

"Congratulations on your excellent sick leave record. I am proud to have you as a member of the Personnel Team."

9/21/1972 Employee Career Appraisal, DD Form 1559, from supervisor Helen F. Cochran, Chief, Management-Employee Relations Branch rating Pletten's

"technical competence - above average. Recommendations are often accepted. Questions facts & info which seems controversial and/or unclear. . . . Is a quick learner & has a remarkable retaining capacity."

"cooperation - outstanding. Always willing to work with others and to offer assistance."

"Mr. Pletten is very cooperative and very aggressive. His eagerness to learn and 'to do' is stimulating." [Ed. Note: allusion to contrast with colleagues].

9/22/1972 Civilian Personnel Officer, George A. Blakeslee, noting Pletten's long term detail assignment to the Technical Services Branch, as distinct from official of-record assignment in Management-Employee Relations Branch, said

"assignment must be regularized. I also believe Mr. Pletten would benefit from full time position in TSO branch."

11/10/1972 Letter of Appreciation from a serviced organization Director, John H. Cyrus, of Management Information Systems, saying

"Mr. Leroy Pletten has serviced this organization in personnel matters . . . He is very prompt in complying with all requests for assistance and appears to have a very good knowledge of personnel regulations.

"Mr. Leroy Pletten is especially commended for his recent work in the areas of Disability Requests, Debt Complaints and Leave of Absence Requests. All requests have been handled in an aggressive and efficient manner."

12/15/1972 Letter of Appreciation from Chief of Staff Col. Kay L. Wieland to pletten and his

"canvassers for the outstanding performance in connection with the 1972 USATACOM Combined Federal Campaign. The dedication, time and effort you provided made it possible . . . to exceed [our] goal . . . by over $6,000. A job well done is always a source of individual satisfaction; please accept my thanks."

3/5/73 Letter of Appreciation from Personnel Director Col. Donald E. Atkinson for Pletten's again having

"used no sick leave . . . This is a commendable record . . . which very few attain . . . since your appointment to this Command, 26 August 1969, you have used no sick leave. This flawless record is one of which you can be proud and can only be credited to your perseverance.

"Congratulations on your excellent sick leave record. I am proud to have you as a member of the Personnel Team."

6/29/1973 Supervisor Verna L. Atkinson, Chief, Technical Services Branch (where Pletten had been detailed since January 1972) appointed him acting supervisor of the branch concurrent with Pletten's forthcoming official assignment there.

6/30/1973 Reassignment-RIF as Personnel Management Specialist, GS-201-11, Job No. 13359.

7/20/1973 Pletten submitted DA Form 1045, Suggestion 74-68, based on analysis of protracted delays in filling vacancies: for expediting decisions up the chain to higher levels.

9/5/1973 On a Department of Defense Employment Inquiry Form, DD 556, Helen F. Cochran, Chief, Management-Employee Relations Branch, rated Pletten as

"outstanding" in the areas of "dependability," "cooperation," "initiative and creativeness," and "adjustability," and "above average" in "emotional stability," "consideration for others," and "job knowledge." "Has demonstrated outstanding performance in the areas of discipline and grievances and appeals . . . ."
Ed. Note: As a result of these type favorable references, Pletten was considered by the Army for becoming an official Army investigator at USACARA (now called Office of Complaint Investigations" [http://www.cpms.osd.mil/oci/index.html]), to investigate employee grievances, complaints, and appeals. However, Pletten wanted a job requiring less multi-state travel, so declined.)

9/06/1973 Employee Career Appraisal, DD Form 1559, from supervisor Verna L. Atkinson, Chief, Technical Services Branch, rated Pletten's

"technical competence - outstanding. Recommendations are normally accepted. Questions information which seems controversial and/or unclear. Provides excellent and dynamic staff assistance in all areas of responsibility."

"cooperation - outstanding. Always willing to work with others and to offer assistance."

"Stability - Despite intense pressure of controversial and complex cases, remained admirably composed."

"Mr. Pletten is a very dynamic and cooperative employee. His eagerness for accomplishment is stimulating. He has expressed the desire to be promoted . . .

"I am pleased to be able to endorse these goals of this valued employee, and I hope that he will advance substantially in Federal personnel management."

11/12/1973 Employee Career Evaluation stated:

". . . his dynamic and refreshing enthusiasm and his relentless pursuit of assigned projects, and his initiating projects on his own initiative are the characteristics most noteworthy. . . . Meticulous care and sound judgment in every disciplinary case he has had since May 1971 when he was permanently assigned to the MER function upon graduation from the intern program is evidenced by the fact that no case he has had, has been reversed either procedurally or on the merits.

"Has enthusiastically assisted management in developing or ascertaining facts/circumstances rather than relying upon their efforts exclusively.

"He has energetically made improvements in the TACOM personnel information system while detailed to the Personnel Management Specialist position, to which he is now officially assigned (since January 1972). His efforts resulted in

  • computerized retention registers usable for the first time,
  • to computer produced DA Form 2515's for pay raises,
  • to a career appraisal suspense list,
  • and other work-saving innovations."
  • 12/14/1973 Pletten submitted DA Form 1045, Suggestion 74-685, based on analysis of employee reports with respect to ventilation: for installation of a humidification system.

    1/11/1974 Pletten submitted DA Form 1045, Suggestion 739-74, for check-mailing, based on analysis of employee absenteeism rates after the morning pay check delivery: for late afternoon delivery.

    1/28/1974 Suggestion 73-870 Award ($185) from Civilian Personnel Director W. S. Moyers for recommending

    "computerizing the preparation of Pay Raise notices to Class Act employees"

    2/20/1974 Pletten submitted DA Form 1045, Suggestion 74-932, based on analysis of TACOM's high sick leave rate above the DA goal of NTE 61.9 hours: for additional recognition of non-users of sick leave (those using $250+ less sick leave than the DA goal) for consistency with other awards involving savings of $250 or more.

    2/25/1974 Pletten submitted DA Form 1045, Suggestion 74-959, based on analysis of anticipated employee reduction-in-force planned to occur in June: for postponing the new telephone directory from March to thereafter.

    2/27/74 Letter of Appreciation from Civilian Personnel Director William S. Moyers for Pletten's again having

    "used no sick leave . . . This is a commendable record which very few employees attain . . . since your appointment to this Command, 26 August 1969, you have used no sick leave.

    "This flawless record is one of which you can be proud and can only be credited to your perseverance.

    "Congratulations on your excellent sick leave record. I am proud to have you as a member of our Personnel Team."

    2/1974 On a Department of Defense Employment Inquiry Form, DD 556, Helen F. Cochran, Labor Management Relations Specialist (Chief, Management-Employee Relations Branch, rated Pletten as

    "outstanding" in the areas of "dependability," "cooperation," "initiative and creativeness," and "adjustability," and "above average" in "emotional stability," "consideration for others," and "job knowledge."

    "As a dynamic and cooperative employee, Mr. Pletten demonstrated outstanding performance in the areas of discipline & grievances & appeals.

    "His meticulous care and sound judgment in every disciplinary case he has had since May 1971 when he was assigned to the management-employee relations function through June 1973, is evidenced by the fact that none has been reversed [Ed. Note: unlike peers' reversals] either on the procedures or on the merits.

    "He has enthusiastically assisted management in developing or ascertaining facts and circumstances rather than leaving management to its own devices, and compliments he has received from managers reflect their appreciation.

    "He has been & is sought out by employees for advice or counseling on personnel matters, & he has been elected both a member and Chairman of the TACOM Civilian Welfare Fund Council since November 1971, reflecting employee trust & confidence in him & his honest and open approach.

    "As the supervisor of the Management-Employee Relations Branch, I regretted losing Mr. Pletten [in the 6/30/73 RIF]."

    3/1974 Pletten conducted a poll of the workforce with respect to CWFC functions (its financial support of recreational, social, compassionate, and morale-related activities including sponsorship of sports such as softball and basketball with both intramural and outside leagues for both men and women; Christmas activities; picnics or dances; flowers for deceased employees; employee emergency loans). The poll included the possible establishment of a day care center for mothers working at TACOM, with results showing need in the area.

    3/4/1974 Marie W. Milmine, Administrative Officer, issued a memorandum on the delegation to Pletten of authority to sign workers' time and job cards.

    3/25/1974 Pletten submitted DA Form 1045, Suggestion 74-1069, based on analysis of bi-weekly duplicative employee leave records: for reduction or abolition of duplicative data notices pursuant to the higher authority directive of 40% paper output reduction.

    5/09/1974 Memorandum saying

    "My CWFC involvement has refined and enhanced my ability to work and deal with persons from many walks of life up to and including our Commanding General; and this has involved many situations from employees seeking my support for ideas to my selecting a Custodian for the CWFC to responding sympathetically to employees seeking emergency financial aid."

    6/23/1974 Promotion to Labor Management Relations Specialist, GS-230-12, Job No. DA-907, giving

    "positive advisory service to managers and supervisors on their basic responsibilities for personnel administration, identifying areas of possible supervisor weakness or other supervisor-employee relationships that tend to cause dissatisfaction"

    and to deal with

    "Personnel adverse actions [discipline], grievances and appeals, communications and employee counseling."


    Coworkers included Evelyn Bertram and George Rodriguez.

    8/21/1974 Assigned "to serve on the TACOM Survival Measures (Civil Defense) Teams"

    8/1974 Letter of Appreciation from Andrew Cook of a serviced organization, telling Civilian Personnel Director William S. Moyers about Pletten's work:

    "For all you've done and all it meant to us, we thank you. This acknowledgment of appreciation, for the courtesy and efficient help by Mr. Leroy Pletten in answering all questions to our problem and bringing it to a pleasant and complete solution."

    9/1/1974 Civilian Personnel Director William S. Moyers forwarded the 8/74 praise and added:

    "I am extremely pleased to forward to you the appreciative remarks of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Cook and to add my personal thanks for your outstanding support in solving their problems. Your personal efforts in this endeavor reflect great credit on this Command, the Office of the Civilian Personnel Director, and most especially on yourself."

    9/17/1974 Civilian Personnel Director William S. Moyers appointed Pletten the "Area Fire Monitor"

    11/1/1974 Employee Career Appraisal, DD Form 1559, from Deputy Civilian Personnel Director John C. Simon, rating Pletten's

    "technical competence" "above average"; "quantity and timeliness" "outstanding" ("Has a very high capacity for work"); "written communication" "outstanding" ("Written material is prepared in a thorough manner"); "oral communication" "above average"; "cooperation" "outstanding" ("Has established excellent rapport with operating officials"); "stability" "outstanding" ("Keeps composed in pressure situation"); "future job assignments" "GS-13."

    11/24/1974 Reassignment to Employee Relations Specialist, GS-230-12, Job No. DA-913c

    12/3/1974 Notice of Satisfactory Completion of TACOM's "Medical Self-Help Training" on "Radioactive fallout care and protection," "Transportation of wounded," "Disease containment," "Nursing principles," and "General first aid techniques"

    12/06/1974 Chief of Staff Col. John C. Geer issued Special Order No. 194 on Pletten's appointment to the Central Accounting Office Council, as a Member and Recorder.

    4/24/1975 Notice of Satisfactory Completion of TACOM's "Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Troubled Employee Course"

    5/02/1975 Letter of Appreciation for Pletten, addressed to Civilian Personnel Director William S. Moyers, from a serviced organization supervisor, Edward J. Leavy, for Pletten's work quality:

    "As a supervisor in the Materiel Management Directorate, I would like to send my official thanks to Mr. Leroy Pletten for assistance he provided. Mr. Pletten provided valuable guidance . . . in selecting an employee to fill a . . . supervisory vacancy. . . . The method used to document the various selection criteria [assessing qualifications] may be adopted by this directorate as a standard operating procedure."

    "We have all, verbally and in writing, complained about the service provided by your directorate; now, here is an action of which you can be proud."

      [Ed. Note: Co-workers were complained about. Pletten, in contrast,
      was being praised. Naturally, the Personnel Director was pleased!]

    5/06/1975 Director Moyers forwarded to Pletten's supervisor, Gordon Hagin, the 5/2/75 praise:

    "Please convey my appreciation to Leroy for his assistance to Mr. Leavy. It's a pleasure to see that once in a while some kudos are received in a very difficult functional area."
      [Ed. Note: Pletten worked in the complaints and
      discipline function, a notorious problem office].

    6/3/75 Certificate of Achievement from Civilian Personnel Director William S. Moyers for again Pletten

    "not having used any amount of sick leave . . . you are hereby commended not only for the general state of health which has made this record possible, but also for your cooperative, diligent and faithful attendance in the performance of your duties."

    6/03/1975 Letter of Appreciation from Civilian Personnel Director William S. Moyers on sick leave, saying

    "You have achieved a commendable record in the accumulation of over 500 hours sick leave. Your good health [is] responsible for this fine attainment.

    "It is a pleasure to commend you for this accomplishment. Your record in this area is indicative of diligent and faithful attention to duty . . . .

    "I wish you continued good health and trust you will have the opportunity to continue this fine attendance record."


    [Ed. Note: Civil service workers earn four hours sick leave each
    bi-weekly pay period (26 X 4 = 104 hours per year). Pletten never
    used any, so achieved the 500 hours in the fastest possible time.]

    In 1975, a major disciplinary case assigned Pletten, which was appealed by the employee (GS-13 mechanical engineer being removed for inefficiency) all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, was being upheld at all levels, Mandel v Army, 509 F2d 1031 (CA 6) cert den 422 US 1008 (1975).

    7/21/1975 Suggestion 74-1144 Award ($50) from Civilian Personnel Director William S. Moyers for

    "the granting of annual leave at the beginning of the leave year. New employees will benefit greatly by the change in policy."

    4/9/76 Letter of Appreciation from Director Moyers for Pletten's again having

    "used no sick leave . . . It is a pleasure to commend you for this record and for your contribution in helping the Directorate strive to remain within the norm [Ed. Note: 61.9 hours per employee per year] established by the Department of the Army.

    "I have been informed that since your appointment to this Command, 26 August 1969, you have used no sick leave. This flawless record is one of which you can be proud and can only be credited to your perseverance.

    "Congratulations on your excellent sick leave record. I am proud to have you as a member of our team."

    8/12/1976 Assignment to explain the new sick leave analysis system to "All Directors/Project Managers/Office Chiefs."

    9/08/1976 Assignment to advise managers on

    "[their] several responsibilities in leave administration [including] planning workload accomplishment, scheduling and controlling employee absences . . . compensatory time, advance sick and annual leave, determine patterns . . . recognize deserving employees with high sick leave balances and low usage rates."

    11/10/76 Appointed as a Crime Prevention Officer, in addition to regular duties. (Promptly analyzed perimeter security, noted deficiency, recommended correction.)

    4/5/1977 Official Commendation from acting Civilian Personnel Director Arthur C. Strong for

    "superior performance . . . Mr. Pletten has performed all of his duties in an outstanding manner. He has unhesitatingly accomplished a great number and variety of special assignments as well as those inherent in his position. The results of his efforts have been immeasurable value and have brought added prestige to himself, this Directorate, and he is most deserving of this quality step increase award" ($681).

    4/19/77 Letter of appreciation from Civilian Personnel Director Archie D. Grimmett for Pletten's again having

    "used no sick leave . . . It is my pleasure to commend you for this record and for your contribution in helping the Directorate strive to remain within the norm [Ed. Note: 61.9 hours average use per employee] established by the Department of the Army. Through your dedicated efforts, you have contributed greatly to the overall accomplishment of the Directorate mission. Congratulations on your excellent sick leave record. I am proud to have you as a member of our team."

    6/3/1977 Letter of Appreciation from Incentive Awards Director Marie W. Milmine for Pletten's suggestion (No. 77-486) on altering processing of "Fitness for Duty Examinations." She said:

    "It is realized that employees who are interested in their jobs are always on the alert to conceive better ways of doing things. You are a fine example of this type of employee and set a pattern for other employees to follow. I extend to you my congratulations for this fine performance and feel confident that you will be on the lookout for new ideas in the future. A copy of this letter will be placed in your Official Personnel Folder . . . in recognition of your efforts and initiative."

    9/18/1977 Reassignment to enhance promotional opportunities, to Position Classification Specialist, GS-221-12, Job No DA-905c, "Qualification requirements waived," with duties to help our percentage share of serviced organizations on

    "civilian positions assuring accuracy and consistency with established position and pay management regulations."
    Co-workers included Thomas Alef, Carma Averhart, Gertrude Bach, Janet Chamberlain, Lawrence Delargy, and Patricia Rager.

    12/19/1977 Letter of Appreciation rapidly followed, in this newly assigned (9/18/1977) job, from Housing Management Director James Thompson, saying:

    "Please permit me to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to you for the outstanding job performed by you. . . . Your understanding of the problems confronting the Division and your follow-up to resolve each problem is noteworthy. Such performance has won the respect of those whom you served (supervisors and personnel alike). . . . May you have much success . . . . Thanks for your help."

    12/23/1977 Civilian Personnel Director Grimmett forwarded the 12/19/77 praise, adding

    "I wish to add my congratulations for your excellent service to the Housing Management Division. This kind of performance not only enhances your professionalism, but significantly adds to the prestige of our office."

    12/29/1977 Provided evidence for Personnel Office co-worker, GS-12, Evelyn Bertram, with respect to building ventilation impact. Her case was thereupon approved.

    2/06/1978 Letter of Appreciation from Robert Greven, Chairman, Local Wage Survey Committee, saying:

    "The success of DOD wage surveys depends in large measure upon the efforts of individual data collectors. They are responsible for collecting the wage change data from private companies in the area. This data is used as the basis for Government wage schedules and thus insures comparability with private industry. The 1978 Wage Change Survey was accomplished ahead of schedule and in a professional manner because of your efforts as a data collector. Your promptness and attention to detail are sincerely appreciated. Thanks again for a job well done."

    February 1978, Arrival of new supervisor, Jeremiah Kator

    5/3/78 Letter of appreciation from Col. G. R. Dawson, Director for Personnel, Training and Force Development, for Pletten's again having

    "used no sick leave . . . It is a pleasure to commend you for this record and for your contribution in helping the Directorate strive to remain within the norm [Ed. Note: 61.9 hours average use per employee] established by the Department of the Army. Through your dedicated efforts, you have contributed greatly to the overall accomplishment of the Directorate mission. Congratulations on your excellent sick leave record. I am proud to have you as a member of our team."

    11/20/1978 Letter of Appreciation from Selfridge Air National Guard Base Commander Col. Irving Monclova (who provided Pletten a key to the entry gate):

    "I greatly appreciate the assistance and cooperation provided by you . . . Your professionalism, dedication and positive attitude have been a major contributing factor in assisting this command in . . . essential mission accomplishment.

    "[This Selfridge air command] has one of the most vital roles within the US Army TARCOM and is constantly striving to obtain optimum efficiency of personnel utilization within austere authorizations. Only with the prompt, responsive, and understanding actions of individuals like yourself can we attain and maintain the high standards we seek.

    "Your performance on behalf of this command is commendable and is a credit to you personally as a professional, and to the Civilian Personnel Office . . . . My thanks to you . . . and I look forward to your continued outstanding support."

    January 1979, assigned by Supervisor Kator to manage the Detroit Full Scale Wage Survey, one of the largest national surveys (covering the Eastern Michigan and Northern Ohio DFSWS district). Kator's plan was for Pletten (based on his already demonstrated superior competence) to replace the prior higher-ranked (GS-13) Chairman. His management of the DFSW Survey had been less than efficient, indeed, so bad and delay-ridden that the Department of Defense sent a full-time monitor due to

    • (a) the ongoing protracted inefficiency problem, and from DOD viewpoint,

    • (b) the apparent bad decision to worsen matters, by now putting an inexperienced-in-DFSW-survey-management, lower-ranked person (Pletten) in charge.

    1/11/1979 Director Grimmett forwarded Col. Monclova's 11/20/78 praise and added:

    "I would like to pass on to you the attached letter of Appreciation. This letter from Col Monclova does much to enhance the creditability and demonstrated dedication of this office. I certainly appreciate your efforts and ask you to continue such high achievement level as I know you will."

    2/20/1979 Letter of appreciation from Pletten's supervisor Jeremiah H. Kator saying

    "You have achieve a commendable record in the [Ed. Notes: foreseen] accumulation of [another] 500 hours sick leave. Your good health and judicious use [none] of sick leave are responsible for this fine attainment.

    "Your record in this area is indicative of diligent and faithful attention to duty . . . . I wish you continued good health and trust that you will have the opportunity to continue this fine attendance record."

    2/20/1979 Letter of appreciation from Personnel Director Col. Charles D. Phillips for Pletten's again having

    "used no sick leave . . . It is a pleasure to commend you for this record and for your contribution in helping the Directorate strive to remain within the norm [Ed. Note: 61.9 hours use average per employee] established by the Department of the Army.

    "Through your dedicated efforts, you have contributed greatly to the overall accomplishment of the Directorate mission. Congratulations on your excellent sick leave record. I am proud to have you as a member of our team."

    3/16/1979 Letter of Appreciation addressed to Personnel Director Archie D. Grimmett, from Jon Symon, Regional Representative, Department of Defense Wage Fixing Authority (based on the glowing report from the aforesaid Department of Defense monitor) based on Pletten's far-superior management of the DFSW Survey:

    "The Detroit Full Scale Survey conducted by your office during January is very near completion. This survey and its preliminary work proceeded more efficiently than previous surveys conducted in the Detroit area in the past several years [Ed. Note: under Pletten's higher-grade, experienced predecessor].

    "This was due largely to the efforts of Mr. Leroy Pletten, the local chairman, a member of your staff.

    "A survey the size of Detroit is very demanding, and although this was Mr. Pletten's first year as the chairman, his aggressiveness and cooperative attitude made a difficult task much easier."

    3/1979 Director Grimmett, concerning the 3/16/79 DOD praise, wrote and said:

    "It is a pleasure to add my congratulations . . . Your personal efforts in this endeavor reflect great credit on this Command, our Directorate, and most especially on yourself."

    6/1979 Pletten submitted DA Form 1045, Suggestion 79-852, based on analysis of data on smoking as the No. 1 cause of disease, and in view of TACOM's record of concern about its employees regularly using more sick leave than the Department's goal (61.9 hours per year). Pletten suggested the doing of a "Study of Sick Leave Usage Due To Smoking"

    9/17/1979 Letter of Appreciation to Pletten from Selfridge Air National Guard Base Financial Adviser Joseph J. Shumate:

    "Yesterday, I received excellent service . . . and I would like to express my appreciation . . . interrupted [his] lunch break to complete [his] part in the processing."

    10/17/1979 Civilian Personnel Officer Archie D. Grimmett forwarded the 9/17/79 praise and added:

    "It is indeed my pleasure to indorse the attached letter of appreciation from Mr. Shumate for the excellent service you accorded him on 16 September 1979.

    "His expression of thanks to you only mirrors what I personally feel. This is the kind of service I have been asking for since becoming Civilian Personnel Officer here . . . Keep up the good work and may we receive many more appreciations like this."

    11/13/1979 Employee Performance Rating ("Satisfactory") issued by supervisor Jeremiah H. Kator

    11/14/1979 Employee Performance Rating ("Satisfactory") approved by Deputy CPO Edward E. Hoover

    3/20/1980 Letter of Appreciation from supervisor Jeremiah H. Kator for again using no sick leave (1979).

    6/15/1980 Within grade pay increase (WGI, $823) granted by Pletten's supervisor Jeremiah H. Kator for Pletten's continuing good quality work above job performance standards and requirements.

    June 1980, Supervisor Kator leaves TACOM

    May 2005, HRS letter saying "Your qualifications are very impressive."

    Federal Personnel Manual Supplement 831-1, Subchapter 10, Part 2.(f), says inter alia:

    "OPM uses an employee's pay history . . . as a significant source of information about the employee's performance. Information concerning any decision to deny the employee a within-grade increase . . . or to take an action adverse to the employee must be provided. . . .

    Re "the awarding of a pay increase or other recognition based on fully successful performance (including a within-grade increase . . .) . . ., OPM deems this type of pay action to be a confirmation that the employee's service or performance is useful and efficient . . . reflects an agency certification that the employee's performance was fully successful at the time of the increase."