2.  The applicant requests correction of his military records to reflect award of the Bronze Star Medal.

3.  Records available to the Board indicate the applicant entered active duty in October 1966 and served in Vietnam between January and December 1968.  He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement during the period 4 January 1968 through 12 December 1968 while in Vietnam.

4.  On 23 October 1969, at the conclusion of his enlistment contract, he was released from active duty in pay grade E-5 with an honorable characterization of service.  His DD Form 214 does not reflect entitlement to either the Bronze Star Medal or an Army Good Conduct Medal.

5.  Army Regulation 600-8-2 provides that the Good Conduct Medal is awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves by their conduct, efficiency and fidelity during a qualifying period of active duty enlisted service.  This period is 3 years except in those cases when the period for the first award ends with the termination of a period of Federal military service.  Although there is no automatic entitlement to the Good Conduct Medal, disqualification must be justified.  Current practice requires that the commander provide written notice of nonfavorable consideration and permits the individual to respond.  There is no evidence in the applicant's official military personnel file that his commander ever disqualified him for award of the Good Conduct Medal and his conduct and efficiency ratings were consistently excellent.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The evidence of record confirms the applicant was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement while in Vietnam.

2.  The Board also notes he completed a qualifying period of service for award of the Army Good Conduct Medal on 
23 October 1969 and there is no indication his service was anything less than honorable.

3.  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 achievement during the period 4 January 1968 through 12 December 1968; and

	b.  by awarding him the Army Good Conduct Medal for the period 24 October 1966 through 23 October 1969.

BOARD VOTE:  

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION




		                           
		        CHAIRPERSON