BOARD DATE:	   3 April 2012

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20110016682 


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 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to show his Army Achievement Medal (AAM) and his North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Medal for duty with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

2.  The applicant states his DD Form 214 is missing these two awards.

3.  The applicant provides copies of his DD Form 214 and DA Form 638 (Recommendation for Award).

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant's DD Form 214 indicates:

	a.  he enlisted in the Regular Army on 17 March 2009 and was subsequently awarded military occupational specialty 11B (Infantryman);

	b.  he attained the rank of specialist/pay grade E-4 and served in Afghanistan from 15 April 2010 to 31 March 2011;

	c.  his awards include:

* Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one bronze service star
* Army Commendation Medal
* National Defense Service Medal
* Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
* Army Service Ribbon
* Combat Infantryman Badge

	d.  he was released from active duty on 15 July 2011.

2.  The DA Form 638 provided by the applicant indicates:

	a.  he was recommended for award of the AAM in conjunction with the expiration of his term of service and

	b.  the battalion commander approved the recommended award and issued Permanent Order Number 168-001, dated 16 June 2011.

3.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the NATO Medal was authorized by the Secretary-General of NATO for specific NATO operations.

	a.  The Secretary of Defense may approve acceptance and wear by U.S. service members who meet the criteria specified by the Secretary-General of NATO.  The ISAF in Afghanistan from 1 June 2003 to a date to be determined has been approved by the Secretary of Defense for acceptance and wear of the NATO Medal.

	b.  The NATO Medal will normally be presented by the Allied Command Europe headquarters exercising operational command or control over U.S. military units or individuals prior to their departure from service with NATO.  U.S. service members are authorized to retain the ribbon clasp presented but may not wear the clasp.

	c.  The U.S. Army Human Resources Command website contains a "frequently asked questions" section concerning military awards.  The website notes that to add the NATO Medal to a Soldier's record, the Soldier must have been issued a certificate.  Soldiers should submit a request to the U.S. National Military Representative at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Belgium, at usnmr@benelux.army.mil if their certificate was lost or if requesting a replacement certificate.  Soldiers are advised to include their social security number, name, rank, nationality, service, unit, location, periods of service, and number of days of deployment in their requests.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant contends that his DD Form 214 should be corrected to show the AAM and the NATO Medal for duty with the ISAF.

2.  The available evidence clearly shows the applicant was awarded the AAM.  Therefore, this medal should be added to his DD Form 214.

3.  The available evidence shows the applicant served during a qualifying tour of duty in Afghanistan for award of the NATO Medal; however, a copy of the corresponding award certificate is required prior to making any changes to his military records.

BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

__X___  __X______  _____X___  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

1.  The Board determined the evidence presented is sufficient to warrant a recommendation for partial relief.  As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by adding the AAM to his DD Form 214.

2.  The Board further determined the evidence presented is insufficient to warrant a portion of the requested relief.  As a result, the Board recommends denial of so much of the application that pertains to award of the NATO Medal.



      __________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)                                         AR20110016682



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20110016682



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