Docket No: 4134-20
Ref: Signature Date               
             
From:   Chairman, Board for Correction of Naval Records 
To:     Secretary of the Navy 
 
Subj:   REVIEW NAVAL RECORD OF FORMER  , USN,          XXX-XX- 
 
 Ref:  (a) 10 U.S.C. 1552 
 
 Encl:  (1) DD Form 149 with attachments 
        (2) Case summary 
        (3) Subject's naval record (excerpts) 
       (4) NDBDM 020-20 dated 25 February 2021  
             
1. Pursuant to the provisions of reference (a), Petitioner, widow of a deceased former enlisted member of the Navy, filed enclosure (1) with this Board requesting a change to his naval record.  Specifically, to add the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Fidelity Zeal Award, and other omitted awards to his Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) covering the active duty period from 25 January 1989 to 31 May 2009.  Enclosures (1) through (4) apply. 
 
2.  The Board, consisting of   , reviewed Petitioner's allegations of error and injustice on 24 March 2021 and pursuant to its regulations, determined that the corrective action indicated below should be taken on the available evidence of record.  Documentary material considered by the Board consisted of the enclosures, naval records, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies.  In addition, the Board considered Enclosure (4), Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals (NDBDM) 020-20 dated 25 February 2021. 
 
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 waive the statute of limitations and review the application on its merits. 
 
   c.  Petitioner’s deceased spouse enlisted in the Navy on 25 January 1989 and was honorably discharged on 31 May 2009.   
 
   d.  At the time of Petitioner’s deceased spouse’s release from active duty, he was issued a DD Form 214 which failed to reflect his entitled awards. 
 
CONCLUSION: 
 
Upon review and consideration of all the evidence of record, and specifically in light of Enclosure (4), the Board concludes that Petitioner’s request warrants favorable action.  In this regard, the Board noted that Petitioner’s deceased spouse is entitled to the following awards: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (NC), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM), Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC), and the Navy “E” Ribbon.  The Navy Good Conduct Medal (GC) with one silver star device, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) with one bronze star device, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOT-EM), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOT-SM), and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (SSDR) with one bronze star device.  In accordance with the foregoing, the Board finds the existence of an error or injustice warranting the following corrective action. 
 
RECOMMENDATION:  
 
Correct Petitioner’s deceased spouse’s naval record by adding the following awards: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (NC), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM), Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC), and the Navy “E” Ribbon.  The Navy Good Conduct Medal (GC) with one silver star device, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) with one bronze star device, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOT-EM), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOT-SM), and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (SSDR) with one bronze star device 
 
That Petitioner be issued a DD Form 215. 
 
That no further changes be made to the record reflecting the above noted awards and decorations. 
 
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. 
 
Sincerely,