IN THE CASE OF:	  

		BOARD DATE:	       16 September 2008

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20080010464 


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 correction of his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show award of the Bronze Star Medal.

2.  The applicant states that he received the Bronze Star Medal in the mail after he was discharged and it was lost in a house fire.  He states his DD Form 214 does not reflect this award.  

3.  The applicant provides a copy of 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 was inducted into the Army of the United States on 7 October 1970.  At the completion of basic combat training and advanced individual training, he was awarded military occupational specialty 95B (military police).  His highest grade held was specialist four, E-4 and he served in Vietnam from August 1971 to April 1972.  

3.  There are no orders which indicate the applicant was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.  Item 41 (Awards and Decorations) on his DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) does not list the Bronze Star Medal.

4.  The applicant was separated from active duty on 8 April 1972.  His DD Form 214 shows the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Marksman Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar as authorized awards.  

5.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) provides, in pertinent part, that the Bronze Star Medal is awarded in time of war for heroism and for meritorious achievement or service.  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:

The applicant contends that he received the Bronze Star Medal after he was discharged.  However, there are no orders, certificate or any other evidence available which indicate he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.  Regrettably, there is insufficient evidence on which to base correction of his records to show award of the Bronze Star Medal.

BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

___xx___  __xx____  __xx____  DENY APPLICATION


BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

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.




      _______ _xxxx______   ___
               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)                                         AR20080010464





3


ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


1

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20080010464



3


ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


1