APPLICANT REQUESTS: That his military record be corrected to show that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (BSM) and the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM).
APPLICANT STATES: That he was never issued the BSM or ARCOM or a citation for them. He contends that he needs these awards to support a disability claim with the VA.
EVIDENCE OF RECORD: The applicant's military records show:
He enlisted in the Regular Army for 3 years on 10 February 1969 and served in Vietnam from 6 April 1970 to 5 April 1971 as a communications equipment repairman. He was honorably discharged on 19 January 1972 in pay grade E-5.
His awards, as reflected on his DD Form 214, Report of Transfer or Discharge, include the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Expert Badge with rifle bar.
The applicants records contain no information to show that he was recommended for or awarded the BSM or the ARCOM.
Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards, provides, in pertinent part, that the primary requirement for award of a decoration is that a formal recommendation be prepared and introduced into official military channels by someone having witnessed or with knowledge of the act, achievement or service to be recognized. Awards of decorations will be announced in permanent orders by commanders authorized to make the awards.
The same regulation provides, that the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, a foreign award, was awarded to individuals who served in Vietnam for 6 months during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1973, inclusive.
DISCUSSION: Considering all the evidence, allegations, and information presented by the applicant, together with the evidence of record, applicable law and regulations, it is concluded:
1. There is no documentation in the applicants military record to show that he was recommended for or awarded the BSM or the ARCOM.
2. In order to justify correction of a military record the applicant must show to the satisfaction of the Board, or it must otherwise satisfactorily appear, that the record is in error or unjust. He has failed to submit evidence that would satisfy this requirement.
3. Based on his period of service in Vietnam, however, it appears that he should have received the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
4. In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant's request.
DETERMINATION: The applicant has failed to submit sufficient relevant evidence to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.
NOTE: The US Army Review Board Agency, Support Division St. Louis, will be requested to issue a DD Form 215, Correction of DD Form 214, to the applicant showing that he was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
BOARD VOTE:
GRANT
GRANT FORMAL HEARING
DENY APPLICATION
Karl F. Schneider
Acting Director
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