BOARD DATE: 12 March 2014
DOCKET NUMBER: AR20130010969
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 reconsideration of an earlier request to add the following commemorative medals to his DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty):
* U.S. Army Commemorative
* Honorable Service Commemorative
* Cold War Victory Commemorative
* Armed Forces Expert Marksman Commemorative
* Meritorious Unit Citation Commemorative
2. The applicant states:
* he disputes the final decision
* according to the Medals of America catalog, his period of service falls within the time frame for the medals he requested
* the one medal, the Armed Forces Expert Marksman Commemorative, should be awarded based on the criteria stated on his DD Form 214 and in his service records
* the only reason he knows anything about the medals is from this catalog
3. The applicant provides a Medals of America catalog.
CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:
1. Incorporated herein by reference are military records which were summarized in the previous consideration of the applicant's case by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) in Docket Number AR20120016472 on 16 April 2013.
2. The applicant provides a copy of the Medals of America catalog (source for purchasing military awards and items) which is new evidence that will be considered by the Board.
3. The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 14 July 1972. He completed his training and was awarded military occupational specialty 36C (Lineman). On 11 July 1975, the applicant was released from active duty.
4. His DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) shows he was awarded or authorized the:
* National Defense Service Medal
* Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar
* Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar
5. His DD Form 214 shows he was awarded or authorized the:
* National Defense Service Medal
* Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar
6. A DD Form 215 (Correction to DD Form 214), dated 10 May 2013, amended his DD Form 214 by adding award of the Army Good Conduct Medal.
7. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) prescribes the separation documents that must be prepared for Soldiers on retirement, discharge, or release from active duty service or control of the Active Army. It establishes standardized policy for preparing and distributing the DD Form 214. The version in effect at the time of the applicant's release from active duty stated to enter all decorations, service medals, campaign credits, and badges awarded or authorized from the individual's DA Form 20.
8. Most commemorative medals are not officially recognized. Title 32, Code of Federal Regulations, part 578, lists and discusses all official U.S. military decorations, medals, ribbons, and similar devices. Commemorative medals are not listed as official. Some commemorative medals are authorized by the U.S. Congress and are minted by the U.S. Mint. However, Army Regulation
670-1 (Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia) prohibits the wearing of commemorative medals. In addition, award of these medals is not governed by the provisions of Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards).
9. The Cold War Recognition Certificate is not governed by the provisions of Army Regulation 600-8-22 and, as a result, is not shown on a discharge document, including the DD Form 214. The Secretary of Defense approved awarding the Cold War Recognition Certificate to all members of the Armed Forces and qualified Federal government civilian personnel who faithfully and honorably served the United States anytime during the Cold War era, which is defined as 2 September 1945 to 26 December 1991. The applicant may submit a request in writing to: Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Cold War Recognition Program, ATTN: AHRC-PDP-A, 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122-5408.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
The applicant's request to add commemorative medals to his DD Form 214 was carefully considered. However, most commemorative medals are not officially recognized. Army Regulation 670-1 prohibits wearing commemorative medals. In addition, award of these medals is not governed by the provisions of Army Regulation 600-8-22 and, as a result, they may not be shown on a discharge document. Therefore, there is no basis for granting the applicant's 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 to amend the decision of the ABCMR set forth in Docket Number AR20120016472, dated 16 April 2013.
__________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) AR20130010969
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