IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 20 October 2011 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20110006548 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 the name suffix of “III” be added to his records in place of the name suffix of “JR” that is currently reflected in his records. 2. The applicant states, in effect, that his birth certificate shows his name suffix with is a “III”; however, his records reflect a suffix of “JR” and he desires it to be changed at this time. 3. The applicant provides a copy of his birth certificate and his DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty). 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 enlisted in the Regular Army in Memphis, Tennessee on 12 August 1968 for a period of 2 years using the name suffix of “JR” and a date of birth (DOB) of 27 Sxxxxxxx xxxx. 3. He completed his training as a light weapons infantryman, served a tour in Vietnam and reenlisted twice. He served all of his time with the name suffix of “JR” and on 26 July 1974 he was honorably released from active duty (REFRAD) due to the expiration of his term of service (ETS). He had served 5 years, 11 months, and 10 days of active service and his DD Form 214 issued at the time of his REFRAD reflects a name suffix of “JR.” 4. The birth certificate provided by the applicant with his application shows a name suffix of “III” and a DOB of 10 Sxxxxxxxx xxxx. 5. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) provides, in pertinent part, guidance on the preparation of the DD Form 214. This regulation has historically stated that item 1 (Last Name, First Name, Middle Name) of the DD Form 214 will contain the name taken from the Soldier’s personnel record. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The applicant contends that his name suffix shown in his military records should be changed from “JR” to “III.” 2. The evidence of record shows that the applicant enlisted, served, and was honorably released from active duty under the name suffix of “JR.” There is no evidence of record or independent evidence that suggests the name recorded in his military records exhibits a material error or injustice. Additionally, the applicant has offered no explanation as to the difference in the name suffix he used at the time and the name suffix he currently uses. 3. It is also noted that the applicant used a different DOB than the DOB indicated on the birth certificate he provides. 4. For historical purposes, the Army has an interest in maintaining the integrity of its records. The data and information contained in those records should reflect the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time the records were created. In the absence of a showing of material error or injustice, there is a reluctance to recommend that those records be changed. While it is understandable the applicant desires to now record his correct name suffix in his military records, there is not a sufficiently compelling reason for compromising the integrity of the Army’s records at this late date. 5. The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document along with his application and the supporting evidence he provided, which confirms his correct name suffix will be filed in his Official Military Personnel File (OMPF). This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion in regard to the difference in the name suffix recorded in his military record and to satisfy his desire to have his correct name suffix documented in his OMPF. 6. Therefore, there appears to be no basis to grant the applicant’s request. BOARD VOTE: ________ ________ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ____X____ ____X____ ____X____ DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: 1. 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. 2. The Board wants the applicant and all others concerned to know that this action in no way diminishes the sacrifices made by the applicant in service to the United States during the Vietnam War. The applicant and all Americans should be justifiably proud of his service in arms. _______ _ 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) AR20110006548 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20110006548 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1