BOARD DATE:	  9 August 2012

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20120002101 


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), dated 28 November 2011 to show he participated in seventeen Vietnam campaigns.  He also requests verification of the status of the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) as it is listed in item 10 (SGLI Coverage) on his DD Form 214.

2.  The applicant states:

* he was in Vietnam during the periods necessary for his DD Form 214 to show he participated in seventeen campaigns
* his DD Form 214 shows he participated in only fifteen campaigns

3.  The applicant provides copies of his DD Form 214; a description and criteria for award of the Vietnam Service Medal; and attachment, amendment, and reassignment orders that are contained in his official military personnel record.

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army (RA) on 2 October 1946.  He completed training as a supply clerk and remained on active duty through a series of reenlistments and extensions.  He participated in the following fourteen Vietnam campaigns:

* Vietnam Advisory Campaign, which extended from 15 March 1962 through 7 March 1965
* Vietnam Defense Campaign, which extended from 8 March through 24 December 1965
* Vietnam Counteroffensive Campaign, which extended from 25 December 1965 through 30 June 1966
* Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase II Campaign, which extended from 1 July 1966 through 31 May 1967
* Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase III Campaign, which extended from 1 June 1967 through 29 January 1968
* Tet Counteroffensive Campaign, which extended from 30 January through 1 April 1968
* Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase IV Campaign, which extended from 2 April through 30 June 1968
* Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969, which extended from 9 June through
31 October 1969
* Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970 Campaign, which extended from 1 November 1969 through 30 April 1970
* Sanctuary Counteroffensive Campaign, which extended from 1 May through 30 June 1970; 
* Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase VII Campaign, which extended from 1 July 1970 through 30 June 1971
* Consolidation I Campaign, which extended from 1 July through 30 November 1971
* Consolidation II Campaign, which extended from 1 December 1971 through 29 March 1972
* Vietnam Cease-Fire Campaign, which extended from 30 March 1972 through 28 January 1973

2.  The applicant's records show he participated in the Vietnam Cease-Fire Campaign during two separate Vietnam tours, from 24 November 1971 through 27 June 1972 and from 31 October 1972 through 28 March 1973.

3.  The applicant retired on 31 December 1976 after completing 30 years of active service.  The DD Form 214 he received at the time of retirement was voided on 28 November 2011 and he was issued a new DD Form 214 showing he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with three silver service stars. 

4.  Item 10 on his DD Form 214 shows he elected to participate in the SGLI with coverage in the amount of $20,000.00.  An SGLI form is not on file in his records.

5.  A review of the available records does not show the applicant served in seventeen campaigns while he was in Vietnam.

6.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states a bronze service star is worn on the appropriate service ribbon, to include the Vietnam Service Medal, for each credited campaign.  A silver service star is authorized in lieu of five bronze service stars.

7.  The SGLI and Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) programs are Department of Veterans Affairs programs.  Only certain portions of the SGLI program, such as preparing the VA Form 29-8286 and collecting premiums, are administered by the military services.  SGLI provides full-time life insurance coverage for individuals on active duty.  SGLI is in effect for 120 days after an individual separates from active duty or the Reserves.  Individuals entitled to SGLI coverage can convert to VGLI by submitting the premium within 120 days after separating.  After 121 days, the individual may be granted VGLI provided an initial premium and evidence of insurability are submitted within one year after termination of the individual's SGLI coverage.  VGLI provides renewable five-year term coverage.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant's contentions have been noted.  His supporting evidence has been considered.

2.  The available evidence does not show the applicant participated in seventeen Vietnam campaigns while he was in the RA.  The available evidence shows he participated in fifteen campaigns.  However, he participated in the Vietnam Cease-Fire Campaign twice.  

3.  According to the applicable regulation, a silver service star is authorized for wear on the Vietnam Service Medal in lieu of five bronze service stars.  His
DD Form 214, dated 28 November 2011, appropriately shows he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with three silver service stars.

4.  Cases are considered based on the evidence of record and the independent evidence that is provided.  The Board is not an investigative body and the burden of proving an error or injustice rests with the applicant.  In this case, the applicant’s request for verification of the status of his SGLI coverage is not viable.  His SGLI coverage would have expired 120 days after he left active duty.

5.  If the applicant believes he had converted to VGLI, he should contact the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, 80 Livingston Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068-1733 regarding this portion of his request.  He may also contact that office by electronic mail at osgli.osgli@prudential.com, or by telephone at:  1-800-236-6142.
6.  In view of the foregoing, his requests should be denied.

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)                                         AR20120002101



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20120002101



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