BOARD DATE: 10 November 2015 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150004284 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 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show award of the Korea Defense Service Medal (KDSM) and any additional awards he may be authorized. 2. The applicant states that he was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his service in the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ). He further contends that he served in Korea from June 1970 to May 1971 while assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry, performing security duties. His unit was known as the “DMZ police forces.” 3. The applicant provides page 3 of his DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) and 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’s record is not available for review. The DA Form 20 and DD 214 provided by the applicant show: * he enlisted in the Regular Army on 26 August 1969 for a 3-year period * his military occupational specialty was 63C (General Vehicle Repairman) * he served in: * Thailand from 24 March to 23 June 1970 * Korea from 27 June 1970 to 13 April 1971 * Germany from 27 May 1971 to 28 March 1972 * he was honorably released from active duty on19 April 1972 * he completed 2 years, 8 months, and 1 day of active service * he was awarded or authorized the: * National Defense Service Medal * Vietnam Service Medal * Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal * Overseas Service Bar * Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar 3. Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the KDSM is authorized for award to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served on active duty in support of the defense of the Republic of Korea. The period of eligibility is 28 July 1954 to a date to be determined by the Secretary of Defense. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence shows he served a qualifying period in Korea for award of the KDSM. BOARD VOTE: ____X____ ___X_____ __X___ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ________ ________ ________ DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The Board determined the evidence presented is 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 the Korea Defense Service Medal to his DD Form 214. _______ _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) AR20150004284 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20150004284 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1