IN THE CASE OF:
BOARD DATE: 31 May 2011
DOCKET NUMBER: AR20100028774
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 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show his award of the Bronze Star Medal (BSM).
2. He states he was told there is no record of him receiving the BSM and he believes it should be a part of his record.
3. He provides:
* the certificate awarding him the BSM
* the citation awarding him the BSM
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 enlisted in the Regular Army on 21 February 1966.
3. His DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) shows in:
* item 31 (Foreign Service) he served in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) from 4 November 1967 through 2 October 1968
* item 38 (Record of Assignments) he was assigned to:
* Company A, 3rd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment from 4 November 1967 through 16 May 1968
* Company C, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment from 17 May to 28 September 1968
* item 41 (Awards and Decorations) does not show award of the BSM
4. On 17 February 1971, he was released from active duty and he was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) Control Group (Reinforcement) to complete his remaining Reserve obligation. He completed 3 years of total active service. Item 24 (Decorations, Medals, Bandages, Commendations, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) of his DD Form 214, as corrected by a DD Form 215 (Correction to DD Form 214), dated 21 February 2007, does not show award of the BSM.
5. He submitted a certificate, issued by the 101st Airborne Division, dated 22 October 1968, that shows he was awarded the BSM for meritorious achievement in the RVN during the period 1 January to 31 August 1968.
6. He submitted a copy of the corresponding citation, issued by the same headquarters, that shows he was awarded the BSM for meritorious service during the period 1 January to 31 August 1968.
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 orders for the Bronze Star Medal pertaining to the applicant.
8. Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the Bronze Star Medal is awarded in time of war for heroism and for meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, or while engaged n military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
1. The applicant's record does not contain any orders that show award of the BSM. Additionally, a review of ADCARS failed to reveal BSM orders in the applicant's name.
2. Although he provides a certificate and citation, in the absence of orders to corroborate award of the BSM, it would inappropriate to correct his record to show receipt of this award.
3. This action in no way diminishes the sacrifices made by the applicant in service to our Nation. The applicant and all Americans should be justifiably proud of his service in arms.
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) AR20100028774
3
ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
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