PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF: 

	BOARD DATE:           2 September 1999  
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR1999015260

	I certify that hereinafter is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in the case of the above-named individual.  

	Mr. Loren G. Harrell		Director	
	Ms. Wanda L. Waller		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Ms. Margaret K. Patterson		Chairperson	
	Mr. Thomas N. Kuhn		Member	
	Mr. James M. Alward		Member	

	The applicant and counsel if any, did not appear before the Board.

	The Board considered the following evidence:

	Exhibit A - Application for correction of military 
                records
	Exhibit B - Military Personnel Records (including
	            advisory opinion, if any)

FINDINGS:

1.  The applicant has exhausted or the Board has waived the requirement for exhaustion of all administrative remedies afforded by existing law or regulations.

2.  The applicant requests award of the Humanitarian Service Medal and the “Joint Meritorious Service Medal”.

3.  The applicant states, in effect, that she served in Somalia from January 1993 to July 1993 and her DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) should reflect these awards.

4.  The applicant’s military records show that she enlisted on 1 August 1989.  She trained as an equipment records & parts specialist, served in Southwest Asia and Somalia and was honorably discharged on 31 July 1993.

5.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 does not show the Humanitarian Service Medal or the “Joint Meritorious Service Medal” as authorized awards.  The Board notes that Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) does not show the “Joint Meritorious Service Medal” as an authorized award.  Therefore, this issue will not be discussed further in the proceedings.   

6.  The applicant’s records show that she served in Somalia from 17 December 1992 through 13 June 1993. 

7.  The applicant’s records do not indicate that she was eligible for or awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal.

8.  The applicant’s records show that she served in Southwest Asia from
29 August 1990 through 27 March 1991.  Her DD Form 214 shows the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze service stars and the Kuwait Liberation Medal as authorized awards. 

9.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) provides, in pertinent part, that the Humanitarian Service Medal is awarded to members who distinguished themselves by meritorious direct participation in a Department of Defense approved significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature.  A service member must be on active duty at the time of direct participation, must have directly participated in the humanitarian act or operation within the designated geographical area of operation and within specified time limits, and must provide evidence that substantiates direct participation.

10.  Military Personnel message 93-202, dated 251542Z May 1993, authorized the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) for members of the U.S. Armed Forces who participated in Operation Restore Hope and Operation United Shield in Somalia beginning 5 December 1992.  No orders were promulgated for this award; however, unit personnel agencies were responsible for updating the records of personnel eligible for the AFEM to show this award.  Award of the AFEM for these operations was terminated effective 31 March 1995 by Personnel Command message, dated 170650Z May 1995.
11.  The Kuwait Liberation Medal awarded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KLM-SA) was approved on 3 January 1992 and is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who participated in the Persian Gulf War between 17 January 1991 and 28 February 1991.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  There is no evidence of record available to the Board that the applicant participated in a Department of Defense approved significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature.  Therefore, she is not entitled to award of the Humanitarian Service Medal. 

2.  The applicant served in Somalia from 17 December 1992 to 13 June 1993; therefore, she is entitled to award of the AFEM.

3.  The applicant served in Southwest Asia from 29 August 1990 to 27 March 1991; therefore, she is entitled to award of the KLM-SA.

4.  In view of the foregoing findings and conclusions, it would be appropriate to correct the applicant’s records, but only as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:

1.  That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by showing that the individual concerned was awarded the AFEM and KLM-SA.

2.  That so much of the application as is in excess of the foregoing be denied. 

BOARD VOTE:  

MKP____  TNK____  JMA_____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		Margaret K. Patterson_
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR1999015260	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	19990902	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	(HD)	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19930731	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR 635-200 Chapter 4	
DISCHARGE REASON	Expiration Term of Service	
BOARD DECISION	(GRANT)	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.0075	
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.