IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 4 JUNE 2009 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20090000513 THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE: 1. Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any). 2. Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any). THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant, the spouse of the deceased former service member (FSM), requests correction of block 26 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) on the FSM’s DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to include the National Defense Service Medal and any additional awards to which he may be entitled. 2. The applicant states that she believed the FSM is at least entitled to the National Defense Service Medal. 3. The applicant provides in support of her application a Summary of Request, dated 10 January 2009; a copy of the FSM’s DD Form 214; a website photograph and description of the National Defense Service Medal; and the FSM’s Certificate of Death. CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. On 7 June 1963, the FSM accepted a commission in the United States Army Reserve (USAR) in the rank of second lieutenant. He was ordered to active duty effective 30 May 1964 and he was awarded specialty number 0430 (Telephone and Teletype Outside Plant Officer). He was transferred to Germany on 31 July 1964 and assigned to Company A, 17th Signal Battalion. 2. The FSM was transferred to the 201st Signal Company, on 1 November 1964. He was further transferred to the 229th Signal Company, on 24 September 1965. He was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant on 30 November 1965 and on 11 May 1966 he returned to the Continental United States. 3. On 14 May 1966, he was honorably released from active duty (REFRAD) and transferred to the USAR Control Group (Annual Training). 4. On 21 March 1974, the FSM was honorably discharged from the USAR, under the provisions of Army Regulation 135-175, due to resignation. 5. Army Regulation 672-5-1 (Military Awards) provides that the National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service for any period between 27 July 1950 through 27 July 1954, and 1 January 1961 through 14 August 1974, inclusive. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The applicant’s contention that the FSM is entitled to award of the National Defense Service Medal was determined to have merit. 2. In accordance with the applicable regulation, the National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service for any period between 27 July 1950 through 27 July 1954, and 1 January 1961 through 14 August 1974. The FSM had honorable active service between 30 May 1964 and 14 May 1966. Therefore, he met the criteria for award of the National Defense Service Medal and his DD Form 214 should be amended to include this award. 3. In view of the foregoing, it would now be in the interest of justice to correct the FSM’s records as recommended below. BOARD VOTE: ________ ________ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ________ ________ ________ DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The Board determined that the evidence presented was sufficient to warrant a recommendation for relief. As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by amending his DD Form 214 to add the National Defense Service Medal. _______ _ _______ ___ CHAIRPERSON I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case. ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20090000513 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20090000513 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1