IN THE CASE OF:	  

		BOARD DATE:	    24 April 2014

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20130015228 


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, in effect, correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to show he was awarded the "Manchu Belt Buckle."

2.  The applicant states the "Manchu Belt Buckle" failed to be added on his DD Form 214 by the sergeant major that overlooked the certificate.

3.  The applicant provides a Memorandum for Record (MFR) and a Road March Completion List, dated 12 October 1995.

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 27 December 1991.  He completed training as a light weapons infantryman.  He remained on active duty through continuous reenlistments and extensions.

2.  On 12 October 1995, the applicant was issued a MFR and a Road March Completion List by his commanding officer, awarding him the "Manchu Belt Buckle" and explaining to him the criteria for its award. 

3.  On 31 December 2012, the applicant was retired as a result of obtaining sufficient service for retirement.  He completed 21 years, and 4 days of net active service this period.

4.  Item 13 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) on his DD Form 214 does not show the "Manchu Belt Buckle" as an authorized award.  However, "Ninth Infantry Regimental (Nanchu) Belt Buckle" is shown in item 18 (Remarks) on his DD Form 214.

5.  Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) serves as the authority for the preparation of the DD Form 214.  The regulation in effect at the time provides that the DD Form 214 will be prepared to reflect an individual's service, as it exists on the date of release from active duty, discharge or retirement.  It states in item 13 enter all awards, decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons awarded or authorized for all periods of service.  Do not enter State awards and decorations on DD Form 214.  Enter all Federal awards and decorations for first award.

6.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) gives the order of precedence for awards and decorations.  Only decorations, medals, and ribbons are listed.  Certificates of achievement, letters of appreciation, and similar documents are not listed.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant's contentions have been noted.  His supporting evidence has been considered.

2.  According to Army Regulation 635-5 the "Manchu Belt Buckle" was properly not included in item 13 on his DD Form 214 because it is not a recognized Federal award.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 lists awards for inclusion on the DD Form 214 and the "Manchu Belt Buckle" is not listed therein.

3.  In view of the foregoing, the applicant's request should be denied.

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)                                         AR20130015228



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20130015228



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