Docket No 8252-20
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 

Docket No: 8252-20 


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  28 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, an advisory opinion (AO) provided by Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals (NDBDM) dated 30 March 2021, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. 

You enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active service on 12 November 1957.  You were honorably discharged on 1 November 1973. 

The Board carefully weighed all of the factors you presented, such as your request to upgrade your Navy Commendation Medal (NCM) to a Meritorious Service Medal (MSM).  The Board reviewed the rebuttals you provided to NDBDM’s AO.  The Board noted your honorable and faithful service in the Navy, however, upon review of the evidence provided, the Board concurred with the NDBDM that you are not entitled to the MSM. 

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,
											6/17/2021 
											Executive Director