BOARD DATE: 19 October 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160004064 BOARD VOTE: ________ ________ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ____x____ ____x____ ____x____ DENY APPLICATION 2 Enclosures 1. Board Determination/Recommendation 2. Evidence and Consideration BOARD DATE: 19 October 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160004064 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. BOARD DATE: 19 October 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160004064 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) for the period ending 10 January 1968 to show a Certificate of Achievement (COA). 2. The applicant states his service number was incorrect on the COA, and it was not added to his DD Form 214. 3. The applicant provides copies of the following documents: * Test of General Educational Development results, dated February 1967 * Company A, 299th Engineer Battalion (Combat) personnel roster, dated 30 March 1967 * COA, dated 14 July 1967, with corresponding presentation memoranda * 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 was inducted into the Army of the United States on 11 January 1966. Upon the completion of his initial entry training, he was awarded military occupational specialty 31B (Radio Mechanic) 3. The applicant received a COA on 14 July 1967 for his support of military engineering operations in the Republic of Vietnam. 4. The applicant was released from active duty and transferred to U.S. Army Reserve Control Group (Annual Training) on 10 January 1968. His DD Form 214 shows he was awarded or authorized the: * National Defense Service Medal * Vietnam Service Medal * Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960) * Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar (M-14) REFERENCES: Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents), in effect at the time, prescribed the DD Form 214 as a summary of the Soldier's most recent period of continuous active duty. It provides a brief, clear-cut record of all current active, prior duty, and prior inactive duty service at the time of released from active duty, retirement, or discharge. The instructions required the preparer to list all federally recognized awards and decorations for the separating Soldier's periods of service. There was no provision to list a COA or commendation. DISCUSSION: The applicant requests correction of his DD Form 214 to show he received a COA. The governing regulation does not prescribe entering a COA on the DD Form 214. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings AR20150000953 Enclosure 1 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20150014642 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20160004064 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 2