IN THE CASE OF:	  

		BOARD DATE:  13 September 2012

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20120005077 


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 that his records be corrected to show he was awarded the Legion of Merit.

2.  The applicant states he was awarded the Legion of Merit upon retirement.  He received the medal and certificate but lost them in a house fire.  The award was "written" on his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) by the adjutant.

3.  The applicant provides no supporting documentation.

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, a retired lieutenant colonel, was commissioned on 25 October 1962.  He retired effective 31 July 1983 with 20 years, 9 months, and 6 days of active service and 1 year, 4 months, and 11 days of inactive service.

3.  The applicant's DD Form 214 does not show the Legion of Merit.

4.  The available record does not contain any evidence that shows the applicant was recommended for or awarded the Legion of Merit.

5.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the Legion of Merit is awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.  The performance must merit recognition of key individuals for service rendered in a clearly exceptional manner.  Performance of duties normal to the grade, branch, specialty, or assignment and experience of an individual is not an adequate basis for this award.  In peacetime, service should be in the nature of a special requirement or an extremely difficult duty performed in an unprecedented and clearly exceptional manner.  However, justification may accrue by virtue of exceptionally meritorious service in a succession of important positions.  As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.  

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

Regrettably, the applicant has not provided any substantiating evidence and the record contains no evidence that shows he was awarded the Legion of Merit.

BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

___X____  ____X __  ____X___  DENY APPLICATION







BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice.  Therefore, the Board determined that the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned.



      __________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)                                         AR20120005077



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20120005077



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