Docket No: 1769-20 
   Ref: Signature Date 
 
From:  Chairman, Board for Correction of Naval Records 
To:      Secretary of the Navy   
 
Subj:    REVIEW OF NAVAL RECORD OF   
         
Ref:     (a) 10 U.S.C. §1552 
     
Encl:   (1) DD Form 149 with attachments 
            (2) DD Form 149 with attachments 
      (3) Advisory Opinion, HQMC (MMMA-3A) of 29 Apr 2020 
       
1.  Pursuant to the provisions of reference (a), Petitioner, a former enlisted Sailor, filed enclosure (1) with the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) requesting correction of his Notice of Separation from U.S. Naval Service (NAVPERS-533) to reflect his entitlement to the   insignia.  Additionally, Petitioner filed Enclosure (2) indicating that the  should have been awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) vice the Navy Unit Commendation (NUC) for their service during the battle of .     
 
2.  The Board, consisting of n, reviewed Petitioner's allegations of error and injustice on 11 June 2020, and, pursuant to its regulations, determined the corrective action indicated below should be taken on the available evidence of record.  Documentary material considered by the Board consisted of the enclosures, relevant portions of his naval service records, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies as well as the 29 April 2020 advisory opinion (AO) from Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC).  
 
3.  The Board, having reviewed all the facts of record pertaining to Petitioner's allegations of error and injustice, finds as follows: 
 
     a.  Before applying to this Board, Petitioner exhausted all administrative remedies available under existing law and regulations within the Department of the Navy.   
 
     b.  Although enclosure (1) was not filed in a timely manner, it is in the interest of justice to review the application on its merits.  
 
     c.  Petitioner enlisted in the Navy on 14 August 1943, and served honorably until his discharge on 3 January 1946.  At the time of his discharge, he was issued a NAVPERS 553 indicating entitlement to the  Medal with one star,  Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal. 
     
	d.  HQMC, in its AO of 29 April 2020, determined Petitioner is entitled to wear the   on the  Campaign Medal.  Additionally HQMC, in their 29 April 2020 letter to Petitioner, advised him that the  was authorized the NUC and not the PUC.    
 
CONCLUSION: 
 
Upon review and consideration of the evidence of record, the Board determined Petitioner’s request warrants relief. 
 
The Board determined Petitioner is entitled to wear the  Insignia on the  Campaign Medal.   
 
The Board further noted Petitioner is not entitled to the PUC and that a review of the  eligibility for the PUC is outside the scope of its authority.   
 
RECOMMENDATION: 
 
In view of the above, the Board directs the following corrective action: 
 
Petitioner be issued a Correction to DD Form 214 (DD Form 215) indicating his entitlement to the  Insignia.   
 
No further changes be made to Petitioner’s record. 
 
A copy of this report of proceedings be filed in Petitioner’s naval record. 
 
Upon request, the VA be informed that Petitioner’s application was received by the Board on 19 February 2020. 
 
4.  It is certified that a quorum was present at the Board’s review and deliberations, and that the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board’s proceedings in the above entitled matter. 
 
5.  Pursuant to the delegation of authority set out in Section 6(e) of the revised Procedures of the Board for Correction of Naval Records (32 Code of Federal Regulation, Section 723.6(e)) and  
having assured compliance with its provisions, it is hereby announced that the foregoing  
corrective action, taken under the authority of reference (a), has been approved by the Board on behalf of the Secretary of the Navy. 
7/16/2020