PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF:     

	BOARD DATE:           02 MAY 2002                   
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR2002068463

	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	
	Mr. Kenneth H. Aucock		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. Fred N. Eichorn		Chairperson	
	Mr. Walter T. Morrison		Member	
	Mr. Christopher J. Prosser		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 that his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) be corrected to show award of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. 

3.  The applicant states that he was awarded those medals but they are not reflected on his DD Form 214. 

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he enlisted in the Army for four years on 24 February 1994.  He was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal for the period 24 February 1994 through 23 February 1997.  He was promoted to Sergeant on 1 September 1997.  On 24 November 1997 the applicant reenlisted in the Army for three years.  The applicant’s NCO Evaluation Reports show that he was an excellent soldier.  The applicant was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for the period 1 September 1997 to 27 August 2000.   

5.  The applicant was released from active duty on 23 November 2000.  His      DD Form 214 shows award of the Army Commendation Medal, two awards of the Army Achievement Medal, and one award of the Army Good Conduct Medal, among others.  It does not show award of the Meritorious Service Medal.

6.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 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.  

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.  That award should be reflected on his DD Form 214.

2.  The applicant served his country faithfully and honorably as evidenced by his record.  He should receive the Army Good Conduct Medal for the period           24 February 1997 to 23 February 2000.

3.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects award of the Army Commendation Medal and two awards of the Army Achievement Medal.  Consequently, no action on this request is required by the Board.

4.  In view of the foregoing, the applicant’s records should be corrected as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:

1.  That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by showing that the applicant was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal for the period 24 February 1997 to    23 February 2000. 

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

BOARD VOTE:  

__FNE__  __WTM__  __CJP __  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		____Fred N. Eichorn_____
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2002068463	
SUFFIX		
RECON	YYYYMMDD	
DATE BOARDED	20020502	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	(HD, GD, UOTHC, UD, BCD, DD, UNCHAR)	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	YYYYMMDD	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR . . . . .  	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	GRANT	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.00	
2.	46	
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.