IN THE CASE OF:
BOARD DATE: 9 September 2014
DOCKET NUMBER: AR20140001814
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 item 5 (Date of Birth (DOB)) of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) for the period ending 31 August 1985 to show his DOB as 23 February 1943.
2. The applicant states:
* his DOB is 23 February 1943
* his DOB is listed incorrectly on his DD Form 214
3. The applicant provides:
* birth certificate
* DD Form 214 for the period ending 31 August 1985
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 induction record shows his DOB as 22 February 1943. He was inducted into the Army of the United States on 19 August 1965. Records show he was released from active duty (REFRAD) on 18 August 1967 and transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR). He was ordered to active duty from the USAR on 19 August 1967 and REFRAD on 6 December 1967.
3. His DD Form 4 (Enlistment Record Armed Forces of the United States), dated 7 December 1967, shows his DOB as 22 February 1943. He enlisted in the Regular Army on 7 December 1967 and he remained on active duty through continuous reenlistments until he retired on 31 August 1985 in the rank of sergeant first class.
4. Item 5 of his DD Form 214 for the period ending 31 August 1985 shows the entry "430222 [22 February 1943]."
5. All his service personnel records show his DOB as 22 February 1943.
6. He provides a copy of his birth certificate which shows his DOB as 23 February 1943.
7. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents), in effect at the time, prescribed the separation documents prepared for Soldiers upon retirement, discharge, or release from active military service or control of the Army. It established standardized policy for preparation of the DD Form 214. It stated the DD Form 214 is a synopsis of the Soldier's most recent period of continuous active duty. It provided a brief, clear-cut record of active Army service at the time of REFRAD, retirement, or discharge.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
1. The applicant contends the DOB shown on his DD Form 214 is incorrect.
2. Although the birth certificate provided by the applicant shows his DOB as 23 February 1943, the evidence of record shows he reported his DOB as 22 February 1943 when he was inducted in 1965 and when he enlisted in the Regular Army in 1967. He served in and was retired using the DOB of 22 February 1943.
3. For historical purposes, the Army has an interest in maintaining the accuracy of its records. The data and information contained in those records should reflect the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time the records were created. In the absence of a showing of material error or injustice, there is a reluctance to recommend that those records be changed. While it is understandable the applicant desires to now record a different DOB in his military records, there is not a sufficiently compelling reason for compromising the integrity of the Army's records at this late date.
4. The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document will be filed in his Official Military Personnel File (OMPF). This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion regarding the difference in the DOB recorded in his military records and to satisfy his desire to have the DOB shown on his birth certificate documented in his OMPF.
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) AR20140001814
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ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20140001814
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ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
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