IN THE CASE OF:	

		BOARD DATE:	  19 May 2011

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20100026604 


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 award of the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM).

2.  He states he joined the U.S. Army in defense of our country on 25 August 1974 during the Vietnam era.

3.  He provides no additional evidence.

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 he enlisted in the Regular Army on 26 August 1974.  He was honorably released from active duty on 25 August 1977.

3.  His DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty) does not show award of the NDSM.

4.  Army Regulation 672-5-1 (Military Awards), in effect at the time, provided that the NDSM was awarded for honorable active service for any period between 27 July 1950 through 27 July 1954 and 1 January 1961 through 14 August 1974, inclusive.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

The evidence of record shows the applicant did not serve during a qualifying period for the award of the NDSM.  Therefore, he is not entitled to correction of his records to show this award.

BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

____X____  ____X____  ____X____  DENY APPLICATION

BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

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



      _____________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)                                         AR20100026604



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20100026604



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