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

Docket No: 6507-21 
Ref: Signature Date 

Dear : 

This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to Section 1552 of Title 10, United States Code. After careful and conscientious consideration of relevant portions of your naval record and your application, the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) found the evidence submitted 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 May 2021. The names and votes of the panel members 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 the 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, applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. Additionally, the Board reviewed an advisory opinion (AO) provided by Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals (NDBDM) dated 1 April 2021, and your rebuttal. 

You enlisted in the Marine Corps and began a period of active duty during January 1942. You served outside the continental limits of the United States from 20 May 1942 to 17 November 1944. Your record indicates you participated in the landings, capture and defense of  Bay operations and the  Operations, and on 13 February 1946 you were discharged with an honorable characterization of service.
 
The Board carefully considered all potentially mitigating factors to determine whether the interests of justice warrant relief in your case. These included, but were not limited to, your service record, your desire to be awarded the Purple Heart Medal and all attached evidence you provided with your application. Additionally, the Board carefully reviewed your rebuttal to the AO by NDBDM dated 20 April 2021. The Board commends your honorable and faithful service to the Marine Corps and our Nation during some of the most intense and defining battles in its history. However, unfortunately, upon review of this matter, the Board concurred with the AO and concluded that there is not sufficient evidence in your service record, or were there any sufficient documents provided to the Board to grant your request. In the absence of greater evidence, the Board is required to presume your official naval records are accurate and complete. Please note that this denial is not, in any way intended to diminish the value of your honorable military service to the Nation, but merely an assessment of the merits of this petition. 

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, 
6/10/2021 

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