PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF:  

	BOARD DATE:            20 July 2000      
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR2000039326

	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. Carl W. S. Chun		Director	
	Ms. Wanda L. Waller		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. Samuel A. Crumpler		Chairperson	
	Ms. Ann M. Campbell		Member	
	Mr. Kenneth L. Wright		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 (Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show award of the Good Conduct Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

3.  The applicant states that the medals were promised by his officer in charge.  In support of his application, he submits a copy of his DD Form 214; DA Form 2431 (Personnel Suspense Card) dated 4 January 1968; orders for award of the Meritorious Unit Commendation; Special Orders Number 42, dated 20 February 1967; a Letter of Appreciation dated 13 April 1967; a Commendation Certificate presented on 15 March 1966; a letter, dated 2 December 1965, for Aviation Group Soldier of the Month (November 1965); and an undated Letter of Appreciation for his service in Vietnam.    

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he enlisted on 12 January 1965 for a period of 3 years.  He served two assignments in Vietnam as an airplane mechanic and was honorably discharged on 31 December 1967. 

5.  The applicant’s DD Form 214, which was authenticated in his own hand, does not show the Good Conduct Medal or the Army Commendation Medal as authorized awards. 

6.  There is no evidence the applicant received the first award of the Good Conduct Medal.  There also is no evidence the applicant was disqualified by his chain of command from receiving the Good Conduct Medal.  His records show that he received conduct and efficiency ratings of “excellent” throughout his service.

7.  There is no evidence in the applicant’s personnel records which shows that he was recommended for or awarded the Army Commendation Medal. 

8.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) provides that the Good Conduct Medal is awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves by their conduct, efficiency and fidelity during a qualifying period of active duty enlisted service.  This period is 3 years except in those cases when the period for the first award ends with the termination of a period of Federal military service.  Although there is no automatic entitlement to the Good Conduct Medal, disqualification must be justified.  

9.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 provides that the Army Commendation Medal may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.  As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant is entitled to the first award of the Good Conduct Medal based on completion of qualifying service from 12 January 1965 to 31 December 1967 ending with termination of a period of Federal military service.  Therefore, he is entitled to correction of his DD Form 214 to show this award.

2.  There is no evidence of record available to the Board, and the applicant has provided no evidence, which shows he was recommended for or awarded the Army Commendation Medal.  Therefore, he is not entitled to correction of his military 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 showing that the individual concerned was awarded the first award of the Good Conduct Medal for the period 12 January 1965 to 31 December 1967.

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

BOARD VOTE:  

SAC____  AMC____  KLW____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		Samuel A. Crumpler____
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2000039326	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	20000720	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	(HD)	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19671231	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR 635-200 Chapter 5   	
DISCHARGE REASON	Release from active duty	
BOARD DECISION	(GRANT)	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.0056	
2.	107.0020	
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.