IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 26 July 2012 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20120001991 THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE: 1. Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any). 2. Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any). THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant requests correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to show the Southwest Asia Service Medal. 2. The applicant states he served in Southwest Asia in support of Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm from 15 October 1990 to 19 April 1991. 3. The applicant provides his DD Form 214. CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice. This provision of law also allows the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to excuse an applicant’s failure to timely file within the 3-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so. While it appears the applicant did not file within the time frame provided in the statute of limitations, the ABCMR has elected to conduct a substantive review of this case and, only to the extent relief, if any, is granted, has determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant’s failure to timely file. In all other respects, there are insufficient bases to waive the statute of limitations for timely filing. 2. The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 5 July 1989 and he held military occupational specialty 11M (Fighting Vehicle Infantryman). 3. His name is shown on the Gulf War roster as having served in Southwest Asia from 1 October 1990 to 15 April 1991. 4. He was honorably released from active duty on 10 October 1991. His DD Form 214 shows in: a. Item 13 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) the: * Army Commendation Medal * Army Good Conduct Medal * National Defense Service Medal * Army Service Ribbon * Combat Infantryman Badge * Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar * Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar * Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Missile Bar * Army Lapel Button b. Item 18 (Remarks) listed the entry "Service in Southwest Asia 901015 - 910419." 5. Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states: a. The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who participated in Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm in the designated area on or after 2 August 1990 to 30 November 1995. A bronze service star is authorized for wear with this medal for participation in each credited campaign. Approved campaigns are: * Defense of Saudi Arabia (2 August 1990 - 16 January 1991) * Liberation and Defense of Kuwait (17 January - 11 April 1991) * Cease-Fire Campaign (12 April 1991 - 30 November 1995) b. The Kuwait Liberation Medal awarded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 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. c. The Kuwait Liberation Medal awarded by the Government of Kuwait was approved on 9 November 1995 and is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who participated in the Persian Gulf War between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The applicant contends he served in Southwest Asia from 15 October 1990 to 19 April 1991. Based on his service in Southwest Asia he served during a qualifying period for award of the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), and the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait). Additionally, he participated in three campaigns during this period of service that entitles him to three bronze service stars for wear on the Southwest Asia Service Medal. Therefore, he is entitled to correction of his DD Form 214 to show these awards. BOARD VOTE: ___X____ ___X____ ___X____ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ________ ________ ________ DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The Board determined that the evidence presented was sufficient to warrant a recommendation for relief. As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by adding to item 13 of his DD Form 214 the: * Southwest Asia Service Medal with three bronze service stars * Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) * Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) _______ _ X_____ ___ CHAIRPERSON I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case. ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20120001991 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20120001991 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1