DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490  
             
Docket No: 6717-20     
Ref: Signature Date 
 
 
Dear Petitioner: 
 
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  16 July 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, an advisory opinion (AO) provided by Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals (NDBDM) dated 18 May 2021, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies, to include the 25 July 2018 guidance from the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness regarding equity, injustice or clemency determinations (Wilkie Memo). 
 
You enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active service on 11 April 1969.  You were honorably discharged on 26 January 1973.  You were assigned to the  from 11 July 1968 to 22 May 1970,  from 25 June 1970 to 30 October 1970, and  from 30 November 1970 to 26 January 1973. 
 
The Board carefully weighed all of the factors you presented to support your award request.  Navy Personnel Command partially granted your award request by approval of the Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Stars.  On 5 May 2021, you were issued a Correction to DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 215).  The Board noted your honorable and faithful service in the Navy.  Unfortunately, upon review of the evidence provided, in regard to the remaining awards requested, the Board concurred with the Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals (NDBDM) Advisory Opinion (AO). 
 
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, 

7/29/2021
Executive Director