IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 10 March 2016 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150007306 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 Air Medal. He also requests a personal appearance. 2. The applicant states he served in a combat role with Company C, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division throughout 1967 in the Mekong Delta, South Vietnam. With his unit, he participated in excess of 25 air mobile combat missions during his tour of duty. His entire chain of command to include the Battalion Chaplain received the Air Medal; however, he was overlooked despite accompanying them on all of the combat missions. The surviving leaders of his unit and Congressman McKeon support his request. 3. The applicant provides: * 1-page Roster of Company C, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, dated 7 May 1967 * General Orders (GO) Number 99, dated 6 January 1968, awarding SSG DLK the Air Medal for achievement from 6 to 23 February 1967 * GO Number 134, dated 8 January 1968, awarding former Captain (CPT) HEL (then C Company Commander) the Air Medal for achievement from 6 February to 5 December 1967 * GO Number 134, dated 8 January 1968, awarding Retired Major JRB, (then First Lieutenant (1LT) JRB, platoon leader in C Company) the Air Medal for achievement from 6 February to 14 December 1967 * DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) * Previous DA Form 638, dated 31 August 2011, recommending the applicant for award of the Bronze Star Medal with supporting documents: * Statement, dated 8 April 2011, from Retired Major JRB to Congressman McKeon * Statement, dated 10 April 2011, from Mr. RC (book author) to Congressman McKeon * Statement, dated 8 June 2011, from CPT SWC (company commander) to Congressman McKeon * Electronic Mail submission from BR to JDK, dated 20 July 2011 * A list of names of the unit's chain of command at the time, dated 4 September 2011 * Image of ribbons and medals with the name 1LT SBS, 47th Infantry Regiment, Vietnam * Newspaper article about medals awarded to 1LT SBS * Biography of Lieutenant General W.B. Fulton (Deceased), former Commanding General of 9th Infantry Division * Biography of Colonel G.I. Tutwiller (Deceased), former Battalion Commander, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry * Statement, dated 8 July 2014, from Retired First Sergeant (1SG) DLK, (then Staff Sergeant (SSG) DLK/former platoon sergeant), with a signature endorsement by Retired 1SG LDC, to Congressman McKeon * Reconstructed DA Form 638 (Recommendation for Award), dated 26 August 2014 for award of the Air Medal, submitted by Congressman McKeon * Letter, dated 12 August 2014 from the Army Decorations Board to Congressman McKeon * Letter, dated 5 December 2014 from the Awards Branch, U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) to Congressman McKeon * Letter, dated 25 March 2015, from Congressman Hardy 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 17 May 1966. He completed training and he was awarded military occupational specialty 11B (Light Weapons Infantryman). 3. Item 38 (Record of Assignments) of the applicant's DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) shows he served in the Republic of Vietnam for the period 28 January 1967 through 8 January 1968. Evidence shows he served as a rifleman with Company C, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment from 28 January through 6 June 1967. His record further shows he served as a rifleman with Company E, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment for the period 7 June through 12 August 1967 and with Company E, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment for the period 13 August 1967 through 8 January 1968. 4. He was honorably released from active duty at the expiration of his term of service on 16 May 1968. His DD Form 214 shows he was awarded or authorized the: * National Defense Service Medal * Combat Infantryman Badge * Vietnam Service Medal * Marksman Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar * Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960) * Army Good Conduct Medal 5. On 31 August 2011, retired MAJ JRB, who was formerly a 1LT, infantry platoon leader, 2nd platoon, C Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, submitted a DA Form 638 recommending the applicant for award of the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement from 6 January 1967 to 8 January 1968. With this recommendation, he submitted his statement together with several other statements from former members; summarized as follows: a. JRB stated, in the summer of 1966, he was a second lieutenant assigned to C Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry at Fort Riley when the 9th Infantry Division was reactivated for combat duty in Vietnam. He was assigned to train an infantry platoon and ready his men for the rigors of combat in the harsh elements of the Mekong Delta. In January 1967, after months of infantry training, his unit boarded a troop ship to Vietnam. Soon, they were conducting numerous Huey Helicopter missions into the rice paddies, jungles and swamps searching for Viet Cong. Later they were assigned to the newly created Mobile Riverine Force (MRF); one of the most unique combat forces in our military's history. They lived with the U.S. Navy on barrack ships in the Mekong River and the Sailors transported them out to the boonies via World War II style landing craft in search of the enemy. Throughout 1967, their unit experienced a great deal of action; many of their Soldiers were wounded or killed in action. On 19 June 1967, in a fierce battle with a large Viet Cong force, they lost 47 men and many more were wounded including JRB; the enemy lost 250 fighters. By September 1967, his original platoon of 35 Soldiers had been whittled down to 13 men; some were transferred, but most had been wounded or killed in action. Most of his remaining men received the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman Badge but otherwise very few awards and recognition were given for their rigorous contributions in what was arguably the most grueling combat environment possible. He, along other C Company officers received various awards such Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, Purple Hearts, Army Commendation Medals, Air Medals, etc., but the enlisted Soldiers were not satisfactorily acknowledged. He was required to transfer after one year leading the 2nd Platoon and he submitted each of his 13 men for the "Bronze Star Medal" for meritorious service. Unfortunately, he was not there to follow up to insure those awards were ordered. Many years later he learned this award was never received; thus, he is requesting assistance to make this award possible today. He believed the lack of recognition by our military and the harsh manner in which our returning troops were treated by the general public had a long lasting negative impact on Vietnam Veterans and in this small way he wishes to right those wrongs. In addition to the "Bronze Star Medal" he believed that each of his men also earned the Air Medal - for numerous Huey Helicopter missions (approximately 30) and the Combined Service Medal, for being a member of the MRF and serving with the U.S. Navy. b. In a statement dated 8 June 2011, Mr. HEL, former commanding officer of C Company, stated he fully supports 1LT JRB's letter, dated 8 April 2011, seeking military awards for the remaining 13 Soldiers (including himself) of his original 35 man platoon who were left under his command after 8 months of combat service in Vietnam. As the commanding officer of C Company, during 1967, 1LT JRB served under his command as platoon leader. Their unit fought in some of the worst terrain imaginable and they were involved in some of the heaviest fighting that ever occurred in the Mekong Delta. Their mission primarily consisted of searching rice paddies, swamps and jungles south of Saigon with the express purpose of eliminating the Viet Cong and allowing the Delta's agriculture commerce to thrive once again. By all accounts, that mission was ultimately accomplished. A great deal of 1967 was served with the U.S. Navy living aboard their barracks ships and going on patrols from their landing craft when they barracked at Dong Tam deep in the Mekong Delta and dozens of their patrols were launched via Huey Helicopters. 1LT JRB also mentioned that the officers were readily awarded medals and that the enlisted men's accomplishments weren't always recognized. By the time of 1LT JRB's departure in September 1967, the company had experienced numerous casualties and much attention was focused on reorganizing the unit with new Soldiers and officers. Therefore it's absolutely understandable that his request for these medals mistakenly fell through the cracks. He does not know what happened to 1LT JRB's request for recognition of these troops and believes it would be an injustice if it is not corrected. 1LT JRB was one of the elite platoon leaders; he cared much about his men, and he expertly handled the rigors of combat in terrible terrain fraught with horrible weather conditions. He was a true warrior and remains so to this day. He lost both legs during his second tour of duty and upon rehabilitation, he became at that time the only commanding infantry officer as a double amputee. As years went by, JRB became afflicted with Parkinson's disease. At this point in time, he wants to do right by the Soldiers that served so honorably. Considering his patriotism and integrity, when he says these men deserve those medals, he (the author) believes this recognition deserving. c. Statement, dated 10 April 2011, from Mr. RC, a book author, who states he supports 1LT JRB's request to seek several medals for men who served under his command in his 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam. Their unit was a key element of the MRF which was a historically significant unit and the first time the Army and Navy had teamed together since the Civil War. These are the men that systematically fought through the Mekong Delta (home to half of Vietnam's population and considered Asia's rice bowl) and gave it back to the Republic of South Vietnam. In 1965, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) estimated there were over twenty hard core Viet Cong (VC) battalions in the Mekong Delta alone, yet our Army had no bases there, for the simple reason there were no roads. So the Army reactivated the 9th Infantry Division primarily using draftees, but you would never have known it by the way they fought. The Army and Navy teamed together and formed a River Assault Force that lived in shallow draft Landing Ship Tank (LST's) and made assaults from 60-foot converted, heavy armed and armored landing craft and performed landings on VC strong holds much like landings in the South Pacific during World War II. During 1LT JRB's and the 4th Battalion's tour of duty throughout 1967, they experienced a great deal of combat and took many casualties, not to mention the heavy casualties they inflicted on the enemy. One of the harshest battles occurred on 19 June 1967. Intelligence estimated the 5th Viet Cong Battalion of 1000 strong were located 10 miles southwest of Saigon near Ap Bae Village in Long An Province. The MRF set sail before dawn and disembarked five rifle companies and a sixth made an air assault into the suspected area which they swept all morning. Finally, A Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry and C Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry patrolled to within forty yards of the VC compound, estimated to be a mile long with over 200 bunkers before the VC opened fire pinning both companies down. A Company was pinned down in the rice paddy and decimated with over 100 casualties as they fought into the night with all the 9th Infantry Division's units fighting to reach A Company survivors. It was one of the worst battles suffered by the MRF. After three days the 5th Battalion was all but destroyed and had to rebuild, however, they were never as effective in harassing Saigon or the Republic of Vietnam as they had been in those early days. The 9th Infantry Division suffered 47 killed and over 150 wounded in action and the Navy also had over a dozen wounded with both Navy commanders wounded in the fight. 255 enemy bodies were found, but it is believed they lost far more. Task Force 116 was the hardest hit Naval Force in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War with over 600 sailors lost in combat. However, it would have been much worse if not for the 9th Infantry Division who suffered over 2500 men lost in combat; over half of the survivors had been wounded. 6. On 8 March 2012, the Army Decorations Board considered the request and voted to award the applicant the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service from 6 January 1967 to 8 January 1968 while serving as a member of Company C, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment. It was noted the applicant served with great distinction during combat operations while conducting intelligence gathering patrols. 7. On 8 March 2012, HRC published Permanent Order 068-22 and on 4 April 2012, issued him a DD Form 215 (Correction to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to show award of the Bronze Star Medal. 8. On 8 July 2014, 1SG DLK (Retired), who was then SSG DLK, squad leader/platoon sergeant, and 1SG LDC wrote to Congressman McKeon in support of 1LT JRB's request that the applicant (and another individual) receive the Air Medal. Throughout 1967 while Company C served in a combat role in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, these men served directly or indirectly under his command, first, as their squad leader and later as their platoon sergeant. He personally witnessed both men participating in Company C's numerous helicopter air assault missions into the treacherous jungles, rice paddies and swamps to search and destroy Viet Cong forces. By participating in these missions, he can attest that those in their chain of command, all received the Air Medal Award; including himself, the Battalion Commander, the Battalion Chaplain, the Company C Commander and 1SG, and 1LT JRB. It is unknown why the applicant and the other individuals never received the Air Medal, which they clearly earned and he can only attribute this to the inadvertent mishandling of paperwork by battalion staff personnel who were overwhelmed dealing with many such requests while also handling numerous death notices/documents for our fallen. 9. It appears this letter, together with a reconstructed DA Form 638 were submitted to the Awards Branch at HRC on or about 1 August 2014. In response, HRC sent a letter to Congressman McKeon. It reads: a. "This is in response to your letter of August 1, 2014, on behalf of [Applicant] and [Another Soldier] concerning their desire to be awarded the Air Medal. We are unable to authorize award of the Air Medal at this time. While we acknowledge receipt of the DA Forms 638 (Recommendation for Award) and letters endorsing the Air Medal, we highly recommend that [Applicant] and [Another Soldier] obtain military documentation reflecting aerial service in the Republic of Vietnam first before pursing their request under the provisions of Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1130." b. "During the Vietnam era, individuals who traveled by aircraft from point-to-point for the purpose of participating in combat (flight) assault missions were eligible for award of the Air Medal after the completion of 25 combat assault missions. Therefore, in order to establish their eligibility for the Air Medal, we require copies of flight records from their unit of assignment documenting their completion of twenty-five combat assaults. If [Applicant] and [Another Soldier] do not possess copies of their unit's flight records, they should contact the National Archives at College Park. This agency is an excellent source of information concerning military units and their history. A review of archived records may locate the required documentation." c. "If [Applicant] and [Another Soldier] are unsuccessful in locating unit flight records then they may pursue the award of the Air Medal under the provisions of Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1130, which allows for referral of an award recommendation by a member of Congress. However, in order for these recommendations to be presented to the Army Decorations Board, there are several errors that must be corrected on the provided DA Forms 638. We have enclosed a listing of those errors for [Applicant] and [Another Soldier] reference." 10. On 26 August 2014, Congressman McKeon submitted a DA Form 638 recommending the applicant for award of the Air Medal for meritorious achievement from 6 January 1967 to 6 January 1968. The DA Form 638 cited four achievements and proposed a citation: a. Achievement # 1: [Applicant] was assigned as the squad team leader while attached to the U.S. Army's C Company, 4th/47th Battalion, 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. While serving alongside the U.S. Navy's MRF, they would perform constant Huey Helicopter assaults into the Delta's VC infested hamlets, rice paddies, swamps, and jungles to search and destroy communist forces. b. Achievement #2: Having been assigned the mission of taking back the Mekong Delta, [Applicant] flew in over 30 Huey Helicopter assault missions. They would be dropped off and patrolled for three to four days to seek out the VC, sometimes these missions were done at dawn. c. Achievement #3: While stationed in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, [Applicant] and his team would often be called upon to provide additional security at the Landing Zones (LZs) for water/ration drop off missions and med-evac’s. During such missions, [Applicant] was responsible for providing perimeter security against enemy forces. d. Achievement #4: [Applicant], while serving in the Mekong Delta, found that numerous times while enroute to carry out an assault mission, the Huey they were flying in would come under artillery attacks. When approaching the LZ, [Applicant] and the rest of his team would arrive to a barrage of bullets where they would be left to run and gun. e. Proposed Citation: For exceptionally meritorious achievement while assigned as Rifleman/Grenadier to C Company, 4th/47th Battalion, 9th Infantry Division while in the Republic of Vietnam from 6 January 1967 to 6 January 1968. While participating in aerial assault flights in support of combat ground forces at Mekong Delta, [Applicant] actively participated in more than 25 aerial assault missions into enemy territory in support of counterinsurgency operations. His actions during these missions displayed the highest order of air discipline in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army. 11. Also with the DA Form 638, the following documents were enclosed: a. A listing of the chain of command from the platoon leader of C Company, to the battalion, brigade, and division commanders. b. GO Number 134, issued by Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, on 8 January 1968 awarding the Air Medal to CPT HEL for meritorious achievement from 6 February 1967 to 5 December 1967 and to 1LT JRB for meritorious achievement from 6 February 1967 to 14 December 1967. c. GO Number 99, issued by Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, on 6 January 1968 awarding the Air Medal to SSG DLK for meritorious achievement from 6 February 1967 to 23 February 1967. d. Image/copy of ribbons and medals with the name 1LT SBS, 47th Infantry Regiment, Vietnam. e. Newspaper article about the medals awarded to 1LT SBS. f. Biography of Lieutenant General W.B. Fulton (Deceased), former Commanding General of the 9th Infantry Division. g. Biography of Colonel G.I. Tutwiller (Deceased), former battalion Commander, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry. 12. On 5 December 2014, the HRC Awards and Decorations Branch responded to Congressman McKeon via a letter that stated: a. This is in response to your inquiry of 18 November 2014, on behalf of [Applicant] and [Another Soldier] concerning their desire to be awarded the Air Medal. We are unable to process your request. Our policy team reviewed both award recommendations and concluded that due to the lack of official military documentation to support their request, we are unable to consider the awards in their present condition. We recommended in our previous correspondence dated 12 August 2014, that [Applicant] and [Another Soldier] contact the National Archives at College Park, Maryland to obtain copies of flight records from their unit of assignment documenting their completion of twenty-five combat assaults. However, since no official military documentation can be acquired from the National Archives or the requestors, this office cannot take any further action. b. Both Soldiers may petition the Army Board for Correction of Military Records concerning their award request. As the highest adjudicating authority, the Board acts on behalf of the Secretary of the Army and has final authority over matters of this nature. However, informing them of this course of action does not necessarily mean that their application will be favorably considered. The Board will adjudicate each case on its merit, and the burden of proof remains with the applicant. We also recommend that they provide the Board with copies of this correspondence, to demonstrate that they have exhausted their administrative remedies. 13. On 25 March 2015, Congressman Hardy sent a letter to the Board. He stated: a. The response his office received indicated that due to lack of flight records providing military documentation in support of their unit's missions and services, it is considered an incomplete application. His office has attempted to explain to the Army through the showing of a written response from the National Personnel Records Center that the flight records are never going to be attainable. Upon retirement or discharge the Army issues the flight records to the aviator. Duplicate copies are not available. b. While he understands the Army's procedure of placing the burden on the Soldier to provide such evidence, in this instance, he will never be able to provide such records. The Board should consider the signed statements by those in the chain of command who have direct knowledge of their subordinates and the missions they had to perform. The same officers received the same Air Medal along with other senior NCOs in the chain of command, including the Battalion Chaplain who routinely participated in their combat missions. 14. Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the Air Medal is awarded in time of war for heroism and for meritorious achievement or service while participating in aerial flight. This award is primarily intended for personnel on flying status, but may also be awarded to those personnel whose combat duties require them to fly; for example, personnel in the attack elements of units involved in air-land assaults against an armed enemy. As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and an announcement in orders are required. 15. U.S. Army Vietnam (USARV) Regulation 672-1 (Decorations and Awards) provided guidelines for award of the Air Medal. It stated passenger personnel who did not participate in an air assault were not eligible for the award based upon sustained operations. It defined terms and provided guidelines for the award based upon the number and types of missions or hours. Twenty-five Category I missions (air assault and equally dangerous missions) and accrual of a minimum of 25 hours of flight time while engaged in Category I missions was the standard established for which sustained operations were deemed worthy of recognition by an award of the Air Medal. However, the regulation was clear that these guidelines were considered only a departure point. a. Combat missions were divided into three categories. A category I mission was defined as a mission performed in an assault role in which a hostile force was engaged and was characterized by the delivery of ordnance against the hostile force or delivery of friendly troops or supplies into the immediate combat operations area. A category II mission was characterized by support rendered a friendly force immediately before, during, or immediately following a combat operation. A category III mission was characterized by support of friendly forces not connected with an immediate combat operation, but which must have been accomplished at altitudes which made the aircraft at times vulnerable to small arms fire or under hazardous weather or terrain conditions. b. To be recommended for award of the Air Medal, an individual must have completed a minimum of 25 category I missions, 50 category II missions, or 100 category III missions. Since various types of missions would have been completed in accumulating flight time toward award of an Air Medal for sustained operations, different computations would have had to be made to combine category I, II, and III flight times and adjust it to a common denominator. 16. U.S Army Vietnam (USARV) Regulation 672-1 (Decorations and Awards) provided guidelines for award of the Air Medal for sustained operations. Appendix IV required that recommendations for award of the Air Medal for crewmembers or non-crewmembers on flying status would be submitted on USARV Form 157-R. The recommendation for award must also have stated that the individual "met the required number of missions and hours for award of the Air Medal"; that "the individual has not caused, either directly or indirectly, an aircraft abort, late take-off, accident or incident"; and that the "individual’s accomplishments and service throughout the period have reflected meritorious performance, with no instance of non-professionalism, mediocrity, or failure to display an aggressive spirit." 17. Army Regulation 15-185 (ABCMR) states ABCMR members will review all applications that are properly before them to determine the existence of an error or injustice. The ABCMR decides cases based on the evidence of record. It is not an investigative body. The ABCMR may, in its discretion, hold a hearing. Applicants do not have a right to a hearing before the ABCMR. The Director or the ABCMR may grant a formal hearing whenever justice requires. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. There is insufficient evidence to show the applicant met the criteria for award of the Air Medal. 2. The applicant served in Vietnam from 28 January 1967 to 8 January 1968. He was assigned as a rifleman to Company C and Company E, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, as well as Company E, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment. According to the statements provided by the former members of his chain of command, the unit operated in the Mekong Delta and that dozens of their patrols were launched via Huey Helicopters. a. The single most important document used to determine an individual's eligibility for award of the Air Medal during the Vietnam Conflict was the DA Form 759-1 (Individual Flight Record and Flight Certificate). The DA Form 759-1 is a record of flight time, by flying duty (combat, simulation, training, etc.) and flight condition, for each aircraft (and/or flight simulator for flight surgeons) in which an individual performs duties. Without the flight record, it is very difficult to establish a member's eligibility for the Air Medal. b. The fact that other members of the chain of command received the Air Medal does not entitle the applicant to the same; the Air Medal is an individual award. It is noted here that SSG DLK (the former squad leader/platoon sergeant) earned the Air Medal for achievement from 6 to 23 February 1967 whereas CPT HEL (then C Company Commander) for achievement from 6 February to 5 December 1967 and 1LT JRB for achievement from 6 February to 14 December 1967. Each Soldier met the criteria at a different time. Had the applicant met the criteria at any time, it is reasonable to say here that orders would have been issued to award him this medal just like orders had been issued to award others this medal. c. The statements submitted by former members of the unit are noted, but they are based on memory and are not specific in nature. It was not only 25 missions: the criteria was that 25 Category I missions (air assault and equally dangerous missions) and accrual of a minimum of 25 hours of flight time while engaged in Category I missions was the standard established for which sustained operations were deemed worthy of recognition by an award of the Air Medal. Without a record of hours flown and missions completed, it is virtually impossible for any member of the chain of command to remember if someone met this criteria 45 years after the fact. 3. The applicant's request for a personal appearance hearing was carefully considered. However, by regulation, an applicant is not entitled to a hearing before the ABCMR. Hearings may be authorized by a panel of the ABCMR or by the Director of the ABCMR. In this case, the evidence of record and independent evidence provided by the applicant is sufficient to render a fair and equitable decision. A personal appearance hearing is not necessary to serve the interest of equity and justice in this case. 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) AR20150007306 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20150007306 13 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1