IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 13 December 2011 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20110012177 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 correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to show his Army Achievement Medal (AAM). 2. He states he was awarded the AAM while stationed in Germany. 3. He provides a copy of his 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. He enlisted in the Regular Army on 8 June 1992. After completion of training, he served in military occupational specialty 31M (Multichannel Transmission System Operator). 3. Item 9 (Awards, Decorations, and Campaigns) of his DA Form 2-1 (Personnel Qualification Record - Part II) does not show award of the AAM. 4. His record is void of official orders to validate award of the AAM. 5. On 31 May 1994, he was honorably released from active duty and transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve Control Group (Annual Training) for completion of his Reserve service obligation. He completed 1 year, 11 months, and 23 days of net active service. 6. Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the AAM is awarded to any member of the armed forces of the United States, who while serving in a noncombat area on or after 1 August 1981, distinguished themselves by meritorious service or achievement. As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. His request to add the AAM to his DD Form 214 was carefully considered; however, it is not supported by the evidence of record. 2. His record is void of evidence and he has not provided sufficient evidence, such as official orders, which show he was awarded the AAM. Army regulations provide that the AAM will be announced in orders. 3. As a result, he is not entitled to the requested relief. 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) AR20110012177 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20110012177 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1