DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS
2 NAVY ANNEX
WASHINGTON DC 20370-5100

CRS
Docket No: 10969—07
27 September 2008

This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to the provisions of title 10 of the United States Code, section 1552.

A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 26 March 2008. Your allegations of error and injustice were reviewed in accordance with administrative regulations and procedures applicable to the proceedings of this Board. Documentary material considered by the Board consisted of your application, together with all material submitted in support thereof, your naval record and applicable statutes, regulations and policies. In addition, the Board considered the advisory opinion furnished by Headquarters Marine Corps dated 24 January 2008, a copy of which is attached.

After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board found that the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice. In this connection the Board substantially concurred with the comments contained in the advisory opinion. Accordingly, your application has been denied. The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.

It is regretted that the circumstances of your case are such that favorable action cannot be taken. You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon submission of new and material evidence or other matter not previously considered by the Board. In this regard, it is important to keep in mind that a presumption of regularity attaches to all official records. Consequently, when applying for a correction of an official naval record, the burden is on the applicant to demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice.

Sincerely,

W. DEAN PFEIFFER
Executive Director

Enclosure

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
3280 RUSSELL ROAD
	QUANTICO, VIRGINIA 22134-5103

					IN REPLY REFER TO:
			1650
										MMMA-2
										24 Jan 08

MEMOR~J1JjJ~ FOR THE	EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS, 2 NAVY ANNEX, WASHINGTON, DC 20390-5100

From:	Commandant of the Marine Corps

Subj:	COMMENTS ON BCNR APPLICATION IN THE CASE OF THE BELOW LISTED MARINE TO CORRECT THE CLASSIFICATION OF HIS MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL, FOR SERVICE IN SUPPORT OF COMBAT OPERATIONS IN IRAQ, TO THE COMBAT EQUIVALENT OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL:
	
	Ref:	(a)	DOD 1348.33-N
		(b)	SECNAVINST 1650.1H
		(c)	MCO l650.19J
		(d)	10 U.S.C. Section 1133

End:	(1) Request for Administrative Correction
(2)	DD Form 149

1.	DISCUSSION: Enclosures (1) and (2) were forwarded to the Military Awards Branch (MMMA), Headquarters Marine Corps for action.

2.	Pursuant to reference (a) and reference (b), the petitioner asserts that an injustice exists because his Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), which was awarded for meritorious service in support of combat operations, was issued in error. He requests that BCNR correct this error by changing the award to the Bronze Star Medal (BSM).

3.	Consistent with references (b) and (c), MMMA has no authority to summarily change a previously presented award or an award that is still in the recommendation and approval process.

4.	The following issues for consideration are provided.

a.	As stated in reference (b), the MEM is “the counterpart of the BSM for the recognition of meritorious non-combat service.” Also, the Combat Distinguishing Device is not authorized for this award.

b.	Concerning the BSM, reference (b) states that this award is for “heroic or meritorious achievement or service...while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; (or) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.” Furthermore, in accordance with references (b) and (d), the recipient must be in receipt of Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) during the qualifying period. Finally, the Combat Distinguishing Device may be authorized.

5.	The Commander, U.S. Marine Forces Central Command has been delegated authority to award the BSM (with Combat “V”) and below. In this capacity, the awarding authority evaluated each and every award against the slated criteria and as evidenced by this request, determined that some cases are best suited for the BSM while others are better suited for the MSM.