BOARD DATE: 11 July 2018 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160016331 BOARD VOTE: _________ _______ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ____x____ ____x____ ___x_____ DENY APPLICATION 2 Enclosures 1. Board Determination/Recommendation 2. Evidence and Consideration BOARD DATE: 11 July 2018 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160016331 BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: 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 to amend the decision of the ABCMR set forth in Docket Number AR2011001535, dated 23 February 2012. ______________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. BOARD DATE: 11 July 2018 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160016331 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 reconsideration of an earlier request to correct his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show award of the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM). 2. The applicant states he received the ARCOM, but it is missing from his DD Form 214. 3. The applicant provides: * ARCOM Certificate * DD Form 214 CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. Incorporated herein by reference are military records which were summarized in the previous consideration of the applicant's case by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) in Docket Number AR20110015335 on 23 February 2012. 2. The applicant's contention and ARCOM Certificate are new evidence that were not previously considered by the Board and warrant consideration at this time. 3. He enlisted in the Regular Army on 27 November 1967 for a period of 3 years. He served in Okinawa from 22 May 1968 to 19 November 1969. 4. He provided an ARCOM Certificate, dated 28 November 1969, showing he received the award for meritorious service during the period 8 September 1968 to 22 November 1969. 5. Item 41 (Awards and Decorations) of his DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) does not show the ARCOM. 6. On 11 September 1970, he was honorably released from active duty. 7. His DD Form 214 does not show award of the ARCOM. 8. There are no orders for the ARCOM in the available records. 9. On 23 February 2012, the ABCMR denied his request to add the ARCOM to his DD Form 214. REFERENCES: Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the ARCOM may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, distinguishes himself or herself by heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service. As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders is required. DISCUSSION: 1. The applicant contends he received the ARCOM, but it is not listed on his DD Form 214. 2. Although he provided an ARCOM certificate for meritorious service, there are no orders for award of the ARCOM in his available records. 3. The ARCOM is a personal decoration and personal decorations require a formal recommendation, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in official orders. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings AR20150000953 Enclosure 1 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20160016331 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20160016331 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 2