DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS
2 NAVY ANNEX
WASHINGTON DC 2O37O-5100

SMW
Docket No: 6163-07
28 February 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 27 February 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.

After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board found the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.

On 1 March 1961, you enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 17 with parental consent and served without incident until 23 May 1963, when you began an unauthorized absence (UA). On 7 July 1963, you were apprehended by civil authorities and held pending charges. On 31 July 1963, you were convicted in civil court of forgery of two checks totaling $890. The court sentenced you to probation and ordered you to pay partial restitution. On 7 October 1963, you were returned to military authorities after being in a UA status for about 137 days.

On 7 January 1964, your commanding officer initiated administrative separation by reason of misconduct due to civil conviction. In connection with this processing, you acknowledged that separation could result in an undesirable discharge (UD) and waived the right to have your case heard by an administrative
discharge board (ADB). On 17 January 1964, the separation
authority approved the separation recommendation and directed a UD by reason of misconduct due to civil conviction. On 22 January 1964, you were so discharged.

The Board, in its review of your entire record and application, carefully weighed all potential mitigation, such as your youth. The Board also considered your contention that your rights were violated because you did not have a trial by court-martial. Nevertheless, the Board concluded that these factors were not sufficient to warrant recharacterization of your discharge due to the seriousness of your misconduct. Regarding your contention, apparently your commanding officer chose not to refer you to trial by court-martial for your 137 day period of UA, which could have resulted in confinement and a punitive discharge. The record does show that you were administratively discharged due to a civil conviction, which does not require a trial by court-martial. Finally, the Board noted that you waived the right to have your case heard by an ADB, your best opportunity for retention or a more favorable characterization of service. Therefore, the Board concluded that the discharge was proper as issued and no change is warranted. 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