BOARD DATE:	  22 October 2013

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20130001908 


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 his award of the Meritorious Service Medal be included on his DD Form 214.

2.  The applicant states the Meritorious Service Medal was approved and awarded after his DD Form 214 was completed.

3.  The applicant provides a copy of page 1 of a DA Form 638 (Recommendation for Award).

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant served on active duty from 11 June 1998 through 26 January 2012 when he was retired and placed on the Temporary Disability Retired List.

2.  His DD Form 214 lists his awards as:

* Iraq Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars
* Bronze Star Medal
* Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award) 
* Purple Heart
* Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award) 
* Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Award) 
* National Defense Service Medal
* Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
* Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
* Global War On Terrorism Service Medal
* Korea Defense Service Medal 
* Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2nd Award) 
* Army Service Ribbon
* Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award) 
* NATO Medal
* Combat Infantryman Badge

3.  On 6 March 2012, his command recommended the applicant for award of the Meritorious Service Medal for the period 27 January 2002 through 26 January 2012.  The form lists a presentation date of 20 April 2012, three months after his retirement.  Page two with the final approval and orders number is not of record.

4.  Attempts to obtain the second page of the recommendation from the applicant have met with no response from him.

5.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a friendly foreign nation who distinguish themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service in a noncombat area.  After 16 January 1969 but prior to 11 September 2001, the Meritorious Service Medal was authorized to be awarded only for meritorious service or achievement while serving in a non-combat area.  As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.  

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  While the applicant provided the first page of the award recommendation, he did not provide the second page which would include the final approval and award orders number. 

2.  Without the ability to verify the award was actually approved and orders were issued, it is inappropriate to correct the record to include this award at this time.


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 that 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)                                         AR20130001908





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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20130001908



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