APPLICANT REQUESTS:  Correction of appropriate military records to show his birth name.

APPLICANT STATES:   That he had been an orphan when he was inducted into the Army in 1955 under the name he was known as at the orphanage.  In 1971, he found out his real family’s name, obtained his birth certificate, changed his Social Security records and now uses the name given him at birth.

EVIDENCE OF RECORD:  The applicant’s military records show he was inducted on 13 September 1955 and was separated from active duty with an honorable characterization of service on 31 August 1957.  His records reflect the name he provided at the time of his induction.

For historical purposes, the Army has an interest in maintaining the accuracy of its records.  The data and information contained in those records should actually 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, this Board is reluctant to recommend that those records be changed.

DISCUSSION:  Considering all the evidence, allegations, and information presented by the applicant, together with the evidence of record, applicable law and regulations, and advisory opinion, it is concluded:

1.  In order to justify correction of a military record the applicant must show to the satisfaction of the Board, or it must otherwise satisfactorily appear, that the record is in error or unjust.  The applicant has failed to submit evidence that would satisfy the aforementioned requirement.

2.  The applicant appropriately served in and was discharged under the name he provided upon his induction.  

3.  In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant's request.

DETERMINATION:  The applicant has failed to submit sufficient relevant evidence to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.

BOARD VOTE:

                       GRANT

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION

                             				Loren G. Harrell
					 	Director