PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF: 

	BOARD DATE:                3 February 2000
	DOCKET NUMBER:       AR19990027702

	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.  

	Ms. Joyce A. Wright		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Ms. Margaret K. Patterson		Chairperson	
	Ms. Barbara J. Ellis		Member	
	Mr. Ernest W. Lutz, Jr.		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 correction of his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.

3.  The applicant states that the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal are not listed on his DD Form 214.  In support of his application he submits a copy of Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division General Orders Number 15329, dated 15 November 1969 and an award certificate.

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he was inducted on 19 April 1968.
He served in Vietnam from 2 December 1968 to 2 December 1969 and was honorably discharged on 3 December 1969.

5.  His DD Form 214 does not show the Bronze Star Medal or the Meritorious Service Medal as authorized awards.

6.  Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division General Orders Number 15329, dated 
15 November 1969, show the applicant was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam from December 1968 to December 1969.

7.  There is no evidence in the applicant’s personnel records to show that he was recommended for or awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

8.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides, in pertinent part, that the Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to a members of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a friendly foreign nation who distinguish themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service in a noncombat area.  As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.  Recommendations must be made within 2 years of the event or period of service and the award must be made within 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.   Evidence of record shows he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal; therefore, he is entitled to correction of his records to show this award.

2.  There is no evidence of record that shows he was recommended for or awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.  Therefore, he is not entitled to correction of his records to show this award.

3.  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 that the individual concerned was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

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

BOARD VOTE:  

MKP_____  BJE_____  EWL___  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		Margaret K. Patterson_
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR1999027702	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	20000203	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	HD	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19691203	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR 635-200	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	GRANT	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.  60		
2.  63		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.