MEMORANDUM OF CONSIDERATION

	IN THE CASE OF:   

	BOARD DATE:           24 May 2000                   
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR1999028447

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

	Mr. Carl W. S. Chun		Director	
	Mrs. Joyce A. Hughes		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. John N. Slone		Chairperson	
	Mr. Mark D. Manning		Member	
	Ms. Meta Waller		Member	

	The Board, established pursuant to authority contained in 10 U.S.C. 1552, convened at the call of the Chairperson on the above date.  In accordance with Army Regulation 15-185, the application and the available military records pertinent to the corrective action requested were reviewed to determine whether to authorize a formal hearing, recommend that the records be corrected without a formal hearing, or to deny the application without a formal hearing if it is determined that insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice.

	The applicant requests correction of military records as stated in the application to the Board and as restated herein.

	The Board considered the following evidence:

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

APPLICANT REQUESTS:  That his DD Form 214 (Certification of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) be corrected to show the award of the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM).

APPLICANT STATES:  In effect, that he received the MSM award.  He states that he does not have any documentation to show that he was entitled to it.  He further states that he believes the reason his DD Form 214 does not reflect the award was because he retired before it was awarded.

EVIDENCE OF RECORD:  The applicant's military records show:

The applicant entered active duty on 6 July 1965, for a period of 4 years.  His 
service was continuous through extensions and reenlistments.  On 31 July 1985, he was separated for the purpose of retirement.  

The applicant’s DD Form 214 shows the awards of the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon (2), the Army Occupational Medal, the Driver’s Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3), the Good Conduct Medal 
(6 awards), and the Marksman Badge (Rifle).  

His DD Form 214 does not reflect the MSM award nor does his records show that he received such award.

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.  There are regulatory provisions for lost recommendations but not for late recommendations, reconsideration, nor for upgrading to a more prestigious award.  The regulation also provides that there is no automatic entitlement to an award upon departure either from an assignment or from the service.  Furthermore the Army discourages self-aggrandizement and precludes individuals from recommending themselves for awards.

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

1.  In order to justify correction or 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.  There is no evidence in his records, nor has the applicant provided any
evidence to support the award of the MSM.  The Board cannot authorize correction to official military records without supporting documentation.  However, if the applicant can provide evidence that he received the MSM such as, a copy of orders, a copy of the citation or a copy of the award certificate he can apply for reconsideration. 

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

__jns___  __mdm___  __mw____  DENY APPLICATION

		    Carl W. S. Chun
		    Director, Army Board for Correction
    of Military Records

INDEX

CASE ID	AR1999028447	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	20000524	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE		
DATE OF DISCHARGE		
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY		
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	(DENY)	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.0017	
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.