2.  The widow of the former service member (FSM) requests correction of his records to reflect that he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) for meritorious service during World War II.

3.  She states that the ARCOM was not listed on the FSM’s WD AGO Form 53-55, Honorable Discharge.  In support of her request, she provides a copy of a letter of commendation recognizing the FSM for his assistance in fabricating a training aid.

4.  The record reflects that he was inducted into the Army on 15 July 1942 and was honorably discharged on 10 October 1945 because of age (he was then 36 years old).  He served 3 years, 2 months and 25 days as a utility repairman in the continental United States.

5.  The copy of the commendation provided with the application commends the FSM for his assistance in the planning and construction of a kitchen car for the bakers and cooks school at Camp Plauche, Louisiana on 21 September 1945.  The letter is signed by a general officer who was the commander of the Army Service Forces in New Orleans at that time.

6.  Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards, provides in pertinent part, that award of the ARCOM may be made to any individual commended after 6 December 1941 and before 1 January 1946 in a letter, certificate or order of commendation, as distinguished from a letter of appreciation, signed by a general officer.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The evidence shows that the FSM was the recipient of a letter of commendation issued within the time frame specified by Army regulations which would qualify for conversion to the ARCOM.

2.  In view of the foregoing, the FSM’s records should be corrected as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:

That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by showing that the FSM was awarded the ARCOM for meritorious service during World War II.

BOARD VOTE:  

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION




		                           
		        CHAIRPERSON