PROCEEDINGS

	IN THE CASE OF:  

	BOARD DATE:           10 January 2002    
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR2001063618

	I certify that hereinafter is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in the case of the above-named individual.  

	Mr. Carl W. S. Chun		Director	
	Ms. Wanda L. Waller		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Mr. Fred N. Eichorn		Chairperson	
	Mr. Ted S. Kanamine		Member	
	Mr. John T. Meixell		Member	

	The applicant and counsel if any, did not appear before the Board.

	The Board considered the following evidence:

	Exhibit A - Application for correction of military 
                records
	Exhibit B - Military Personnel Records (including
	            advisory opinion, if any)

FINDINGS:

1.  The applicant has exhausted or the Board has waived the requirement for exhaustion of all administrative remedies afforded by existing law or regulations.

2.  The applicant requests correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to show award of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

3.  The applicant states, in effect, that he received this award after he was separated from the Army and it is not shown on his discharge document.  In support of his application, he submits a copy of Memorandum Number 008, dated 23 January 2001, which shows that he was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for the period 5 August 1996 to 22 February 2001.

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he enlisted on 8 February 1989 and trained as an unit supply specialist.  He remained on active duty through continuous reenlistments until he was honorably discharged in the rank of staff sergeant on 22 February 2001 under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, chapter 4, for completion of required active service. 

5.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 does not show the Defense Meritorious Service Medal as an authorized award.

6.  The applicant’s service personnel records contain a copy of the citation, award certificate and the Memorandum announcing award of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal to him for service during the period 5 August 1996 to 22 February 2001.

7.  Department of Defense 1348.33-M (Manual of Military Decorations & Awards) provides, in pertinent part, that the Defense Meritorious Service Medal shall only be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after
3 November 1977, distinguished themselves by noncombat meritorious achievement or service.  

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 does not show the Defense Meritorious Service Medal as an authorized award.

2.  Evidence of record shows the applicant received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for the period 5 August 1996 to 22 February 2001.  Therefore, the applicant is entitled to correction of his DD Form 214 to show award of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

3  In view of the foregoing, the applicant’s records should be corrected as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:

That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected 
by showing that the individual concerned was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

BOARD VOTE:  

FNE____  TSK____  JTM_____  GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

		__Fred N. Eichorn_____
		        CHAIRPERSON

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2001063618	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	20020110	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE		
DATE OF DISCHARGE		
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	  	
DISCHARGE REASON		
BOARD DECISION	(GRANT)	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	107.0016	
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.