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NAVY | BCNR | CY1999 | 02052-99
Original file (02052-99.pdf) Auto-classification: Denied
D E P A R T M E N T  O F  T H E  N A V Y  
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 

2 NAW ANNEX 
WASHINGTON DC  20.&;0 

: 

ELP 
Docket No. 2052-99 
11 August 1999 

This is in reference to your application for correction of your 
naval record pursuant to the provisions of Title 10, United 
States Code, Section 1552. 

A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval 
Records, sitting in executive session, considered your 
application on 11 August  1999.  Your allegations of error and 
injustice were reviewed in accordance with administrative 
regulations and procedures applicable to the proceedings of this 
Board.  Documentary material considered by the Board consisted of 
your application, together with all material submitted in support 
thereof, your naval record and applicable statutes, regulations 
and policies. 

After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire 
record, the Board found that the evidence submitted was 
insufficient to establish the existence of probable material 
error or injustice. 

The Board found that you enlisted in the Naval Reserve on 
27 April  1943 for two years or for the duration of the war.  At 
the time of your enlistment, you were 23 years old and had 
completed seven years of formal education.  While in recruit 
training, an aptitude board determined that you were unsuited for 
naval service due to your inability to adapt to the requirements 
of naval life.  It was recommended that you be separated with an 
"indifferent" discharge by reason of unsuitability.  You were so 
discharged on 19 May  1943.  Further particulars regarding your 
discharge are not in your record. 

At  the time of your separation, individuals with satisfactory 
service received either honorable, good, or indifferent 
discharges.  "Goodvv and "indifferent" discharges were roughly 
equivalent to today's  general discharge under honorable 
conditions.  A  vvgoodvv discharge meant that the individual was 
recommended for reenlistment.  An individual who was not 
recommended for reenlistment received an "indifferentvv discharge 

An indifferent discharge was not executed as a punishment and you 
did not leave the Navy under dishonorable conditions.  Under 
today's  standards an individual with less than 180 days of active 
service receives an uncharacterized entry level separation. 

In its review of your application the Board weighed all 
potentially mitigating factors such as your limited education, 
good citizenship, and the fact that it has been more than 56 
years since you were discharged.  Your contention that you were 
discharged for a physical reason is not supported by the evidence 
of record nor by any evidence submitted in support of your 
application.  Absent evidence to the contrary, a presumption 
exists that the action of the Navy to issue you an indifferent 
discharge was in compliance with applicable regulations then in 
effect.  You have provided neither probative evidence nor a 
convincing argument in support of your application.  The fact 
that an honorable or general discharge is issued today for 
satisfactory service does not necessarily provide a valid basis 
for changing a discharge that was appropriately issued 56 years 
ago.  The Board concluded that the discharge was proper and no 
change is warranted.  Accordingly, your application has been 
denied.  The names and votes of the members of the panel will be 
furnished upon request. 

It is regretted that the circumstances of your case are such that 
favorable action cannot be taken.  You are entitled to have the 
Board reconsider its decision upon submission of new and material 
evidence or other matter not previously considered by  the Board. 
In this regard, it is important to keep in mind  that a 
presumption of regularity attaches to all official records. 
Consequently, when applying for a correction of an official naval 
record, the burden is on the applicant to demonstrate the 
existence of probable material error or injustice. 

Sincerely, 

W.  DEAN PFEIFFER 
Executive Director 



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