DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 

Docket No: 1721-20
Ref: Signature Date 

Dear : 

This is in reference to the application you filed on behalf of your father, Charles Coder, for correction to his naval record pursuant to Title 10, United States Code, Section 1552.  After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) found that the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.  Consequently, your application has been denied. 

Although your application was not filed in a timely manner, the Board found it in the interest of justice to waive the statute of limitations and consider your application on its merits.  A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 21 April 2020.  The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.  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, relevant portions of your naval record, and applicable statutes, regulations.  The Board also considered the relevant Advisory Opinion. 

Your father served honorably in the United States Navy Reserve until his retirement on 2 March 1979.  His naval contributions include a period of active duty from 15 March 1943 through 17 January 1946, for which he received an honorable discharge characterization upon his release to inactive duty.  Your father earned the Naval Reserve Medal for his achievements.  In your petition to the Board you ask that his record be corrected to also reflect entitlement to the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (AFRM) with silver hourglass device. 

As part of the review process, Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals issued an Advisory Opinion dated 12 March 2020.  The Advisory Opinion found that since your father received the Naval Reserve Medal for his service, he is not entitled to the AFRM for the same service.  The Advisory Opinion recommended that your request for his entitlement to the AFRM be denied.  The Advisory Opinion was provided to you, and you were given 30 days in which to submit a response.  When you did not provide a response within the 30-day timeframe, your case was submitted to the Board for consideration. 

The Board, in its review of your entire application, carefully weighed all factors, including the breadth of your father’s naval career, which includes his receipt of the Victory Medal, and service in the Asiatic Pacific.  The Board, however, concurred with the findings of the Advisory Opinion and determined that the AFRM is not appropriate, given his receipt of the Naval Reserve Medal. 

It is regretted that the circumstances of your father’s case are such that favorable action cannot be taken.  You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon the submission of new matters, which will require you to complete and submit a new DD Form 149.  New matters are those not previously presented to or 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,