IN THE CASE OF:	  

		BOARD DATE:	  28 August 2014

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20140001752 


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 reconsideration of his request to correct his military record to show the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM).

2.  The applicant states:

   a.  he maintains he received the ARCOM after he left the Army in 1972;
   
   b.  he placed his ARCOM in a frame, hung it on the wall where he lived, and it went missing; and
   
   c.  he encloses a newspaper article that states a fire destroyed 18 million service members records at the National Personnel Records Center in 1973.

3.  The applicant provides:

* self-authored statement
* two letters of support
* newspaper article

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  Incorporated herein by reference are military records which were summarized in the previous consideration of the applicant's case by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) in Docket Number AR20130003032 on 12 September 2013.
2.  The applicant provides two letters of support and a newspaper article.  These documents are new evidence that were not previously reviewed and warrant consideration by Board.

3.  During the original deliberations in this case, the Board determined he had served in the Republic of Vietnam from September 1969 to September 1970.  However, there was insufficient evidence in the available records to show the applicant was awarded an ARCOM for his service.  More specifically, in the absence of a formal recommendation for award of the ARCOM, approval through the chain command, and announcement of this award in orders, as required by Army regulation, there was no basis upon which to grant the applicant's request.  Accordingly, his request was denied.

4.  The applicant now provides two letters from individuals who support his claim to add the ARCOM to his military record and who indicate they witnessed the ARCOM hanging on the applicant's wall.

5.  The applicant also provides a newspaper article that announces the award of the Silver Star to a former service member.  It also reports 18 million service member's records were lost or destroyed in a fire in 1973.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant contends his record should be corrected to show the ARCOM.

2.  The applicant's service in the Republic of Vietnam and his sacrifices to the Nation are not in question.  However, the original ABCMR decision advised the applicant that there are no orders, formal recommendation, certificate, or any other evidence available which indicates he was awarded the ARCOM.  Accordingly and in response to the original decision, the applicant provides two letters of support and a newspaper article, as evidence to correct his record.

3.  Nevertheless, while the applicant's sincerity is not in question, there is still insufficient evidence available to correct his record to show award of the ARCOM.  For personal decorations, formal recommendation, approval through the chain of command, and announcement of orders are required.  Regretfully, in the absence of the formal recommendation, approval, and orders, there still remains insufficient evidence to grant the applicant relief in this case based solely on the evidence he submitted.




BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT FULL RELIEF

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

____X____  ___X_____  ____X____  DENY APPLICATION

BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

1.  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 to amend the decision of the ABCMR set forth in Docket Number AR20130003032, dated 12 September 2013.

2.  The Board wants the applicant and all others concerned to know that this action in no way diminishes the sacrifices made by the applicant in service to our Nation.  The applicant and all Americans should be justifiably proud of his service in arms.



      ____________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)                                         AR20140001752





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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20140001752



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