IN THE CASE OF:	  

		BOARD DATE:	    6 December 2011

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20110011622 


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 award of the Bronze Star Medal based on award of the Combat Infantryman Badge.

2.  The applicant states, in effect, he recently learned veterans are awarded the Bronze Star Medal based on award of the Combat Infantryman Badge 

3.  The applicant provides:

* DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge)
* DD Form 215 (Correction to DD Form 214)

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 was inducted into the Army of the United States on 29 November 1967.  He served as an infantryman in Vietnam.  He was released from active duty on 28 November 1969 and transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve Control Group (Reinforcement) to complete his remaining service obligation.

3.  Item 24 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) of his DD Form 214 does not show the Bronze Star Medal as an authorized award.

4.  A DD Form 215, dated 8 March 2004, amended item 24 of his DD Form 214 by adding the Combat Infantryman Badge.

5.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the Bronze Star Medal is awarded for heroism and for meritorious achievement or service in military operations against an armed enemy.  The Bronze Star Medal is authorized for each individual who was cited in orders or awarded a certificate for exemplary conduct in ground combat between 7 December 1941 and 2 September 1945 or whose achievement or service, during that period, was confirmed by documents executed prior to 1 July 1947.  An award of the Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical Badge is considered to be a citation in orders for award of the Bronze Star Medal.  Therefore, the Bronze Star Medal is to be awarded to individuals who were authorized either badge for service during World War II.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

The applicant received the Combat Infantryman Badge for his service in Vietnam.  The governing regulation states the Bronze Star Medal is to be awarded to individuals who were authorized the Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical Badge for service during World War II.  Therefore, there is no basis for granting the requested relief.

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 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 to know the sacrifices he made in service to the United States during the Vietnam War are deeply appreciated.  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)                                         AR20110011622



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20110011622



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