BOARD DATE:	  22 December 2011

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20110013768 


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 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show award of the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

2.  The applicant states he served in Vietnam from 12 March to 15 August 1970.

3.  The applicant provides 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.  The applicant’s record shows he enlisted in the Regular Army on 23 August 1968 and he held military occupational specialty 67N (UH-1 Helicopter Mechanic).  He served in Vietnam for 5 months and 4 days from 12 March to 15 August 1970, while assigned to the 68th Medical Detachment.

3.  He was honorably released from active duty on 15 August 1970 and transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve.  He completed 1 year, 11 months, and 23 days of creditable active service.

4.  Item 24 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) of his DD Form 214 does not show award of the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

5.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960) was awarded by the Government of Vietnam to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States for qualifying service in Vietnam during the period 1 March 1961 through 28 March 1973.  
Qualifying service included assignment in Vietnam for 6 months or more.  

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

The criteria for award of the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is qualifying service in Vietnam for 6 months or more.  The evidence of record shows the applicant served in Vietnam from 12 March to 15 August 1970, or 5 months and 4 days.  As he did not serve in Vietnam for at least 6 months, 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)                                         AR20110013768





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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20110013768



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