Docket No: 2175-20
Ref: Signature Date                          

Dear 
 
This is in reference to your application for correction of your 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 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 BCNR, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 16 November 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 and policies.  Additionally, the Board considered the advisory opinion (AO) furnished by the Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) dated 29 April 2020, a copy of which was previously provided to you. 
 
A review of your record reveals that you enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve and commenced a period of active-duty from 24 January 1956.  On 23 January 1958 you were released from active-duty after serving honorably, and transitioned back to the Marine Corps Reserve.     
 
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.  The  
AO from the Headquarters Marine Corps confirms that after a review of your service record and the pertinent official awards records, unit reports, and policies, it was determined that:   
 
1. The Cold War Commemorative Medal is not an authorized Department of Defense award.  The award was inspired by the Cold War Certificate of Recognition created by Congressional resolution to recognize members of the Armed Forces who served during the Cold War between 2 September 1945 and 26 December 1991. 

2. You are entitled to the Honorable Reserve Discharge Button.  However, per a telephone conversation with your daughter on 22 April 2020, she advised that Navy Personnel Command has provided this button to her.  
 
3. Review of your record found no evidence to substantiate your entitlement to the NDSM. 

During the time of his service, the NDSM was, authorized for those who were on active duty from 1 January 1961 to 14 August 1974.  Since you were released from active duty on 23 January 1958, you would not be entitled to this award. 
 
Further, MMRP-10 forwarded a correction to your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) under separate correspondence.  In this regard, the Board substantially concurred with the comments contained in the advisory opinion.       
 
The Board thanks you for the honorable service you provided to our Nation.  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 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,