IN THE CASE OF:	 

		BOARD DATE:	  08 April 2010

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20090015236 


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 requests that his records be corrected to show his middle name as the letter "L" instead of "Lee."

2.  The applicant states his middle name is incorrect on his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty).

3.  The applicant provides his DD Form 214 and a certification of live birth.

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice.  This provision of law also allows the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to excuse an applicant's failure to timely file within the 3-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so.  While it appears the applicant did not file within the time frame provided in the statute of limitations, the ABCMR has elected to conduct a substantive review of this case and, only to the extent relief, if any, is granted, has determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to timely file.  In all other respects, there are insufficient bases to waive the statute of limitations for timely filing.

2.  The applicant's military records show that he enlisted on 9 August 1983.  His enlistment contract shows his middle name as "Lee" and he signed the enlistment contract with the middle name "Lee."
3.  The applicant's military records contain a number of documents in which he signed his middle name as "Lee."

4.  On 14 October 1987, the applicant was honorably retired for physical disability.  His DD Form 214 shows his middle name as "Lee."

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  For historical purposes, the Army has an interest in maintaining the accuracy of its records.  The information contained in those records should reflect the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time the records were created.

2.  In the absence of a showing of material error or injustice, those records should not be changed.

3.  In the applicant's case, the records reflect the correct name under which his military service was performed.

4.  While the Board understands the applicant's desire to have the records changed, it finds no basis for compromising the integrity of the Army's records.

5.  In view of the forgoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant's request.

BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

___X___  ___X____  ____X___  DENY APPLICATION


BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice.  Therefore, the Board determined that the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned.



      ___________X______________
                 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)                                         AR20090015236



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20090015236



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