2.  The applicant requests correction of his military records to reflect award of the Bronze Star Medal and decorations associated with service in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War.  He also notes that his father’s name is misspelled in item 19b(nearest relative) on his DD Form 214.  He states his father’s name is spelled “Marcus” and not “Marcush.”

3.  Records available to the Board indicate the applicant entered active duty on 21 April 1988.  He deployed to Southwest Asia on 5 September 1990 and returned to the United States on 27 March 1991.  He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service during the period 
17 January 1991 through 28 February 1991.  Orders confirming the award were published by the VII Corps.  On 20 April 1991 the applicant was released from active duty.  Decorations associated with service in Southwest Asia and his Bronze Star Medal are not listed as authorized decorations on his DD Form 214.

4.  Service in the Persian Gulf War is recognized by award of the Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM) to Army members who participated in Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm in the designated area on or after 2 August 1990.  A bronze service star is authorized for the Defense of Saudi Arabia (2 August 1990 to 16 January 1991) and the Liberation and Defense of Kuwait (17 January to 11 April 1991).

5.  The Kuwait Liberation Medal(SA), awarded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was approved on 3 January 1992 and is awarded to those members who participated in the Persian Gulf War from 17 January to 28 February 1991.  The Secretary of Defense accepted an offer by the Government of Kuwait to award the Kuwait Liberation Medal(K) to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who participated in operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993.





CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The evidence confirms the applicant served in Southwest Asia between September 1990 and March 1991 and as such is entitled to the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze service stars and the Kuwait Liberation Medals awarded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of Kuwait.

2.  His records also confirm he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service during the period 17 January and 28 February 1991.

3.  It is likely that a typographical error occurred when his father’s name was entered in item 19b (nearest relative) on his DD Form 214.  While there is no documentation to confirm the correct spelling it is reasonable to conclude that the “H” was likely meant to be a middle initial, not the final letter of the first name and it would be appropriate to correct the entry as requested by the applicant.

4.  In view of the foregoing, it would be appropriate to correct the applicant’s records as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:

That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected:

	a.  by showing that the individual concerned was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service during the period 17 January through 28 February 1991; 

	b.  by awarding him the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze service stars and the Kuwait Liberation Medals awarded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of Kuwait; and





	c.  by correcting the entry in item 19b (nearest relative) on his DD Form 214 to read “Marcus” vice “Marcush”.

BOARD VOTE:  

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION




		                           
		        CHAIRPERSON