BOARD DATE:	  20 May 2014

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20130016628 


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 award of the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM).

2.  The applicant states he received the ARCOM Certificate after he was separated.

3.  The applicant provides a copy of his ARCOM Certificate.

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 served in the Regular Army from 17 September 1986 to 16 September 1990 when he was honorably released from active duty in pay grade E-4 due to the expiration of his term of service.

3.  His DD Form 214 shows his awards as the Army Service Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, and Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle and Grenade Bars.

4.  The ARCOM is not shown as an authorized award on his DA Form 2-1 (Personnel Qualification Record – Part II).

5.  There are no orders for the ARCOM in the applicant's records.

6.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the ARCOM 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, distinguishes 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.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant stated he received the ARCOM Certificate after his separation from active duty.

2.  Unfortunately, absent orders awarding him the ARCOM, there is insufficient evidence to add this award to his DD Form 214.

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 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)                                         AR20130016628



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20130016628



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