IN THE CASE OF:
BOARD DATE: 1 February 2011
DOCKET NUMBER: AR20100017712
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 DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) be corrected to add a second Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) and the Bronze Star Medal.
2. The applicant states he would like these awards added to his DD Form 214.
3. The applicant provides 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's military records show he was inducted into the Army of the United States on 10 July 1970, was awarded the military occupational specialty of cable splicer installer, served in Vietnam from 25 April 1971 to 8 March 1972, and was promoted to pay grade E-5.
3. The applicant's records contain a 1st Signal Brigade Form 2 (Recommendation for Award) in which he was recommended for the ARCOM for the period 28 April to 8 November 1971; General Orders Number 2462, dated 10 December 1971, for award of the ARCOM for the period 28 April to 8 November 1971; and an ARCOM Citation for the period 28 April to 8 November 1971.
4. The applicant's records do not contain any evidence of a second ARCOM or a BSM.
5. Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) provides that the ARCOM may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself by heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service. As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.
6. Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides that the BSM is awarded to any person who distinguished himself by heroism or meritorious achievement or service not involving participation in aerial flight in connection with military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force. As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.
7. A review of the Awards and Decorations Computer-Assisted Retrieval System, an index of general orders issued during the Vietnam era between 1965 and 1973 maintained by the Military Awards Branch of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command, failed to reveal any orders awarding the applicant the BSM or a second ARCOM.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
1. There is no evidence to show the applicant was awarded a second ARCOM or the BSM.
2. As such, there is insufficient evidence in which to grant his request.
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) AR20100017712
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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20100017712
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