IN THE CASE OF:	

		BOARD DATE:	  
		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20080009651 


THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE:

1.  Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any).

2.  Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any).


THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant requests that his separation document (DD Form 214) be corrected to add his Bronze Star Medal (BSM).

2.  The applicant states that he received the BSM when he got out of the service. He now has the BSM, but no paperwork for the award.

3.  The applicant provides his DD Form 214.

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice.  This provision of law also allows the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to excuse an applicant’s failure to timely file within the 3-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so.  While it appears the applicant did not file within the time frame provided in the statute of limitations, the ABCMR has elected to conduct a substantive review of this case and, only to the extent relief, if any, is granted, has determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant’s failure to timely file.  In all other respects, there are insufficient bases to waive the statute of limitations for timely filing.

2.  The applicant’s military records show that he was inducted and entered active duty on 11 February 1969.  He was awarded the military occupational specialty of communications chief, was promoted to pay grade E-5, and served in Vietnam from 21 July 1969 to 14 September 1970.

3.  He was honorably released from active duty on 15 September 1970 as an overseas returnee.  The DD Form 214 he was issued does not list the BSM as an authorized decoration.

4.  The applicant’s DA Form 20, Enlisted Qualification Record, does not list the BSM.

5.  The applicant’s records do not contain any orders or award recommendation for the BSM.

6.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides that the BSM is awarded to any person who distinguished himself by heroism or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight in connection with military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force.  As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.  Recommendations must be made within 2 years of the event or period of service and the award must be made within 3 years.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant has not submitted any evidence to show he was awarded the BSM nor does his records contain any evidence that he was awarded the BSM.

2.  As such, there is insufficient evidence in which to grant the applicant’s request.

BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

____x___  ___x____  ____x___  DENY APPLICATION




BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

1.  The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice.  Therefore, the Board determined that the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned.

2.  The Board wants the applicant and all others concerned to know that this action in no way diminishes the sacrifices made by the applicant in service to our Nation.  The applicant and all Americans should be justifiably proud of his service in arms.




      _______ _   x_______   ___
               CHAIRPERSON
      
I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case.

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20080009870



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20080009651



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