ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 29 April 2019 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20170005884 APPLICANT REQUESTS: the Bronze Star Medal. APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty) * Bronze Star Medal Recommendation/Citation FACTS: 1. The applicant did not file within the three year time frame provided in Title 10, United States Code (USC), section 1552 (b); however, the Army Board for Correction of Military Records conducted a substantive review of this case and determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to timely file. 2. The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 8 September 1965 and was discharged on 7 November 1968 for immediate reenlistment. His DD Form 214 for the period ending 7 November 1968 does not show the Bronze Star Medal. 3. He reenlisted on 8 November 1968. He served in Vietnam from 27 November 1970 to 21 October 1971. Review of his record shows he was assigned to duty in Vietnam with Headquarters, U.S. Army Engineer Command; Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces, Military Region II; and Service Battery, 1st Battalion, 92nd Artillery. 4. His DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) does not list the Bronze Star Medal in item 41 (Awards and Decorations). 5. He provided a letter, dated 16 October 1971 from the commanding officer of Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 92nd Artillery, who stated: a. The applicant was a former member of this command who performed in an outstanding manner as a member of this headquarters. a. b. The applicant was submitted for an award by his previous unit; however, the award recommendation was lost. c. When the applicant arrived at this headquarters, due to the unit's inactivation, this unit did not have time to process an award for him. d. It was highly recommended that the applicant be recommended for the Bronze Star Medal for service and a narrative of the applicant's accomplishments was submitted. 6. He provided a narrative description for award of the Bronze Star Medal, which cited: "Staff Sergeant [applicant], XXX-XX-XXXX, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service in connection with ground operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 9 January 1971 to 10 April 1971 while serving as Administrative Supervisor with Headquarters, United States Army Engineer Command, Vietnam and while serving as NCOIC AG Personnel Actions Branch, Headquarters, United States Army Forces, Military Region II…His devotion to duty was manifested in his unceasing attention to basic office administration and the normal work flow, which he maintained in addition to the extraneous requirements of the stand down and inactivation…" 7. On 12 November 1974, he was honorably discharged. His DD Form 214 for the period ending 12 November 1974 does not show the Bronze Star Medal. 8. His official military records do not contain general orders awarding him the Bronze Star Medal. 9. A review of the Awards and Decorations Computer-Assisted Retrieval System, an index of general orders issued during the Vietnam era between 1965 and 1973 maintained by the Military Awards Branch of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command failed to reveal Bronze Star Medal orders for the applicant. BOARD DISCUSSION: After reviewing the application and all supporting documents, the Board determined that relief was not warranted. Based upon the documentary evidence presented by the applicant and found within the military service record, the Board concluded there was insufficient evidence that the applicant was ever submitted and awarded the Bronze Star Medal. For that reason, the Board recommended denying the applicant’s request for relief. BOARD VOTE: Mbr 1 Mbr 2 Mbr 3 : : : 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 the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned. 5/7/2019 X CHAIRPERSON Signed by: 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. REFERENCES: 1. Title 10, USC, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within three 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 three-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so. 2. Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the Bronze Star Medal is awarded in time of war for heroism and for meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required.