ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 18 April 2019 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20170011878 APPLICANT REQUESTS: A personal appearance before the Board and correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to show award of the: * Army Achievement Medal * Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal * Army Good Conduct Medal (First Award) * Valorous Unit Award * Meritorious Unit Commendation * Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * Statements concerning the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device, and the Army Achievement Medal * Enlisted Record Brief (ERB) * Infantry Training Diploma * Certificate of Training for Weapons Training * Airborne Course Diploma * Certificate of Training for Air Assault School * Permanent Orders (PO) 060-269 and 110-15 * Certificate of Training for Combat Life Saver * Certificate of Training for Combat Communications Course * Army Commendation Medal Certificate * Two DA Forms 638 (Recommendation for Award) * Hero of the Battle Certificate * Orders 046-720 * Valorous Unit Award Certificate and Citation * Meritorious Unit Commendation Certificate and Citation * E-mail Communication, subject: Your Next Assignment * DD Form 214 * National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) Response * Criteria for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and Army Good Conduct Medal * Battle of Najaf Summary * Five Newspaper Articles * 69 Photographs 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 states he was deployed with D Company, 3rd Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division and was in the first wave into Iraq. a. He was awarded medals in Iraq and with the unit back home. He also made the rank of sergeant (SGT)/E-5 in Iraq and was the second gun truck in the historic raid to kill Saddam’s sons. In his time in Iraq he earned the Army Achievement Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with one bronze service star, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for his service during the push for Baghdad and the valor for saving a kid under fire. He also earned the Army Commendation Medal and the “Hero of the Battle” during training rotations. b. He was redeployed from Iraq to his home duty station then shipped to Fort Lewis, WA before his unit returned home. He was diagnosed with a severe form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He was not in his normal state of mind and just wanted out of the Army. Being on medical hold for two years and losing all motivation, it was apparent he was no longer able to function without long term medical treatment. Now he is 100% disabled from the Department of Veterans Affairs and has no record of him serving in Iraq. He has no medal or awards and nothing to be proud of. The unit had not updated his file and when he left the Army he had nothing to show for it but PTSD. He did not care about it then when he was discharged, but now he is trying to fix the past so he may have a future. Without a proper DD Form 214 that shows his true service and honor, he will be forever in the desert of Iraq. c. The Army told him he was never in Iraq and the sad thing is he just went along with it because he did not care about living nor his service. After seeing his picture on TV and in a museum, he realized he was being forgotten and had a right to stand up for what he earned in combat. Being the first PTSD case from Iraq at Fort Lewis meant he was able to be an example of PTSD and it would ruin your career and future in the civilian world. He just wants the record corrected. 3. The applicant provides six statements concerning military awards: a. The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq, March 2003 states he served with D Company, 3rd Battalion, 327th Infantry, during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He was a squad leader and gunner and was involved in frontline combat operations from March 2003 to October 2003. When he was deployed to Kuwait, his unit was under the support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During their support of the operation, his unit was under U.S. Central Command. He fell under the time frame of the original award for those who fought in the first wave into Iraq. This was the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, it was not until after August of 2003 that the Iraq Campaign Medal was awarded. He fell under the time frame of the criteria for the first award. He was awarded an Iraq Campaign Medal with two bronze stars for campaign participation, this he believes is wrong due to a mistake in his record when he was discharged. He should only have one bronze star on his Iraq Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal should be in place of the other campaign star because there was no other award in place for those who crossed over into Iraq in the first wave. b. The Army Good Conduct Medal, March 2003 to August 2005 states he served in the Army from March of 2000 to August of 2005 and served as an infantryman and achieved the rank of SGT/E-5 by the age of 21. He reenlisted for another eight years in 2003 and under his first contract he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Airborne Wings, Air Assault Wings, and the Expert Infantryman Badge. He fell under the time frame and criteria for the Army Good Conduct medal for his first three years in service to the nation. c. The Humanitarian Service Medal, Iraq, March 2003 states he personally witnessed his platoon giving aid and relief to refugees and displaced persons of Iraq. His platoon was involved in securing the airfield in Al-Najaf so aid and food could be brought in. During the battle, he witnessed members of his platoon giving up their meals ready to eat to the Iraqi people. He also gave away his ration to passing by displaced persons. They would risk life and limb at times to help those who could not help themselves. In regards to the unit itself, his unit took Saddam’s personal stock and distributed it across the city before they continued on towards Baghdad. This was key in displaying the intentions of the invading American Army and securing the hearts and minds of the people of Al-Najaf. After decades of cruel treatment under Saddam’s government, they were free and able to choose their own future. They showed the people of Iraq they came in peace and had only a humanitarian mission in mind. They would get intelligence on enemy movement and the unique needs of the remote towns. They would provide the delivery of aid such as food, gas, and educational supplies. Their platoon, at times, was the only link to civilization for the aid. They would clear routes and escort key military personnel who were conducting humanitarian aid during their operations and were key to their success. d. The Presidential Unit Citation, Iraq, March 2003 to April 2003 states when he was deployed to Kuwait he was attached to Task Force Thunderbolt. They pushed up in direct support of 3rd Infantry Division as they made their way to Baghdad. They were attached to 2nd Battalion, 70th Armored Division and 3rd Battalion, 187th of the 101st until the fall of Baghdad. They were bounced around and attached to all three infantry brigades of the 101st and armored units of 3rd Infantry Division from March of 2003 to May of 2003. He believes his platoon falls under the timeframe of the Presidential Unit Citation that was awarded to the 3rd Infantry Division because of their combat record. They were a small anti-armor infantry unit of only 15 men and most likely were overlooked due to the frantic nature of war. He can confirm with his own account that 5th platoon, D Company, 3rd Battalion, 327th Infantry are also deserving of this award. They shared the sacrifice and honor that was given to the men and women who risked everything for each other. e. The Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device, Iraq, March 2003 to October 2003 states it is for his award and five others in his platoon named in the file for service and heroic action. After his deployment, his officer put his platoon in for Bronze Star Medals for their meritorious service during their combat deployment and had distinguished each of them for acts of valor. The awards were downgraded to Army Commendation Medals or never awarded at all. (1) After his tour to Iraq, he was redeployed to Fort Lewis. When he reported to the replacement unit two weeks later, he reported with his ERB. He was not credited for his time in Iraq nor any valor awards, campaign medals, or previously earned decorations. This drastically affected his morale and career and caused mental suffering and unwarranted accusations of falsely having awards. After two years of medical treatment for PTSD, he was discharged without honor, nor a DD Form 214 that showed his service. He was disciplined for disabilities he was born with and were out of his control. He has provided evidence and statements in hopes to correct this injustice and bring honor home, and that of my band of brothers. (2) During their deployment they contributed enormously to the success of the 101st Airborne Divisions combat operations and post war operations. His platoon led the way into the city in the battle of Al Najaf and he personally helped capture a key bath party member who surrendered to him at a bridge north of the city. He was key in conducting an artillery strike on a Fedayeen training compound by identifying where the enemy was at and helped silence them. He played a key role in the main assault of the city and used himself and gun truck as sniper bait to try and break the stalemate in the alley outside the headquarters. They chased 3rd Infantry Division on their push to Baghdad, supported 5th Special Forces Group and witnessed the horrors of urban modern combat up close. They went 41 days without a shower and watched his platoon survive hardships that are unthinkable in today’s world. They fought across Iraq in some of the largest battles of the war and supported the operations of Joint Special Operations Command and Task Force 20 in Mosul. They were key in the success of operation Tapeworm. (3) His friend, NRD, gave him the hard copy of the recommendation for the award. They were all 5th platoon and were supposed to receive the same citation. He believes his lieutenant used the same statement as the default for the proposed citation and gave personal accounts or statements from others in the platoon to fill the achievement box. He believes he did this to save time and had no ill intentions. The awards were downgraded by the battalion commander to Army Commendation Medals with Valor, but he believes this was a mistake and due to the frantic times after the invasion. (4) During his service in Iraq, he earned a Combat Infantryman Badge, Valorous Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Achievement Medal, downgraded Bronze Star with “V” Device, was promoted to SGT/E-5 and several other awards, but he never receives any of the citations. He was lost in the system due to Murphy’s Law and has had to deal with disabilities before dealing with his record. His platoon’s actions and that of himself will become a part of American military history and be immortalized in media and film for generations to come. He has to carry the burden of this war on his soul and he carries with him the memories of battles and the horrors of combat. He will grow old, fade away and on his tombstone it will say nothing of his service in Iraq, nor any awards for his children to cherish. (5) On or about 15 April during the riots in Baghdad, he was serving as a gunner with 5th platoon and was securing a high school in the center of a large apartment complex. They were co-located with another infantry line unit and had parked his gun truck close to the western wall so his .50 caliber machine gun could peak over the top. About midday and after surviving a suicide attack the night before by a lone attacker with an AK-47, his platoon was talking and playing with kids close to the side of the wall when sniper shots rang out. He jumped down out of the gun and went to cover behind the wall with the rest of his squad, the kids, and civilians went running for shelter as shots rang out over their position. His unit was returning fire and trying to engage the sniper. He peeked over the wall and got eyes on where a kid was, then jumped over the wall under fire. He ran to his aid and began to quickly free his trapped leg from the wire. He turned and ran back to the wall about 50 meters. He could see his platoon yelling at him to hurry and waving their arms. He jumped into the hands of his lieutenant as they pulled him back over the wall. The sniper was silenced and his lieutenant and platoon sergeant both looked at him as if they saw a ghost and said “don’t you ever do that again AQ.” He believes this is the event his lieutenant cited as valor for the award. f. Army Achievement Medal, Mosul, Iraq, July 2003 states on or around 10 July 2003, he was on a rooftop of a hotel in a watch position. They observed a blue 80s model car pull up about 150 meters from the main gate. The occupants of the vehicle exited and began to argue. The man was throwing full contact punches to the women’s face and kept trying to stop her from entering back into the vehicle. He and a buddy discussed firing on the man from the rooftop, but could not see a weapon at the time. He ran down five flights of stairs and tried to reach radio communication. He and two Soldiers restrained the man and woman. He began to search the vehicle and found two fully loaded AK-47s. The two star general overheard and asked who caught the guy and found the weapons and the two Soldiers pointed to the applicant and the two star general said give that Soldier an Army Achievement Medal. He then came over and shook his hand and helped him unload the AK-47 while his aid took the applicant’s name, rank, unit, and social. It was a moment of pride for the applicant because they stopped an attack and no lives were lost in the process. He never got the general’s name or ever saw the award. He believes this is due to the frantic tempo of the first months of the occupation and the general not being under his command. 4. The applicant also provides: * His ERB which shows his assignment history, promotion dates, and a summary of his service * An infantry training diploma, dated 7 July 2000 * Certificate of training for weapons training, dated 10 to 21 July 2000 * An airborne course diploma, dated 25 August 2000 * Certificate of training for air assault school, dated 18 January 2001 * PO 060-269, which shows the applicant was awarded the Expert Infantryman Badge * Certificate of training for combat life saver, dated 20 to 23 February 2001 * Certificate of training for combat communications course, dated 23 to 27 July 2001 * Army Commendation Medal Certificate from 26 September 2001 to 20 October 2001 for meritorious achievement during a joint readiness training center rotation * A DA Form 638, dated 23 October 2001, which shows he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal while assuming the role of squad leader for a light anti-armor squad and successfully leading his squad into many engagements without suffering any casualties * A Hero of the Battle Certificate, which shows the applicant displayed courage under fire by aiding his wounded comrades. After he ran out of ammo suppressing the enemy, he grabbed an M-4 from a wounded Soldier and attacked the enemy, killing one and suppressing the others * Orders 046-720, dated 15 February 2003, which show his organization was assigned to U.S. Central Command on or about 1 March 2003 for 179 days with a possible extension of up to 365 days * A DA Form 638 for his friend which shows his friend was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service during combat operations as a gunner * A Valorous Unit Award and citation, for the period 23 to 31 July 2003 for 3rd Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division * A Meritorious Unit Commendation and citation, for the period 1 August 2003 to 8 January 2004 for 3rd Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division * An e-mail communication, dated 14 April 2005, which shows that he met the minimum requirement for an assignment and was asked to contact the recruiter if interested * PO 110-15, dated 20 April 2009, which shows several units being awarded the Presidential Unit Commendation (Note: the applicant’s unit is not listed) * A response from NPRC, dated 13 August 2012, which shows the awards the applicant was eligible for * An internet print-out of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Army Good Conduct Medal criteria * The Iraqi Campaign Medals approved campaign phases * An internet summary of the Battle of Najaf (2003) * Five newspaper articles on Najaf, and 101st Airborne Division * 69 photographs of military vehicles, fires, men, weapons caches, children, and a man (presumably the applicant) while in the desert 5. A review of the applicant’s service records shows the following: a. He enlisted in the Regular Army on 23 March 2000. He held military occupational specialty 11B (Infantryman). He reenlisted on 5 November 2002 for a period of six years. b. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 327th Infantry (Anti-Armor) on 17 November 2000. He was assigned to a medical hold company in Fort Lewis, WA on 3 May 2004. c. On 12 May 2005, he accepted nonjudicial punishment for wrongfully using marijuana. His punishment included reduction to specialist (SPC)/E-4 from SGT/E-5. d. He was discharged from active duty on 11 August 2005 for misconduct. His DD Form 214 shows he completed 5 years, 4 months, and 19 days of active service. It also shows in: (1) item 13 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized): * National Defense Service Medal * Iraq Campaign Medal * Global War on Terrorism Service Medal * Army Service Ribbon * Overseas Service Bar * Combat Infantryman Badge * Expert Infantryman Badge * Parachutist Badge * Air Assault Badge (2) item 18 (Remarks), Soldier served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 1 March 2003 to 22 September 2003 and Soldier served in an imminent danger pay area. 6. By regulation: a. Award of the Army Achievement Medal requires a formal recommendation, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders. No recommendation or orders are available. b. The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal is authorized for award to members who are deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined. Soldiers who elect to receive the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal in lieu of the Iraq Campaign Medal are not authorized service stars for those campaigns in which the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal is awarded. He was awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal. c. The Iraq Campaign Medal is authorized to individuals serving in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation New Dawn. The period of eligibility is on or after 19 March 2003 to 31 December 2011. One bronze service star is authorized with the Iraq Campaign Medal for participation in each campaign. Approved campaigns during his service (1 March to 22 September 2003) include Liberation of Iraq (19 March 2003 to 1 May 2003) and Transition of Iraq (2 May 2003 to 28 June 2004) campaigns. His DD Form 214 already lists the Iraq campaign Medal but it omitted the 2 bronze service stars. These service stars will be corrected administratively. d. The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal military service. It is awarded on a selective basis to each Soldier who distinguishes himself or herself from among his or her fellow Soldiers by exemplary conduct, efficiency and fidelity throughout each three years of continuous enlisted active Federal military service. There is no right or entitlement to the medal until the immediate commander has approved the award and the award has been announced in permanent orders. There are no orders in his file for this award: * he began his active service on 23 March 2000 * he served honorably and reenlisted on 5 November 2002 * he received his Article 15 on 29 April 2005 * he was separated for misconduct on 11 August 2005 e. The Valorous Unit Award may be awarded to units for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the U.S while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing force in which the U.S. is not a belligerent party. The recommendation will include a list of all units assigned and attached, actually present and participating in the action, and the inclusive dates of the period of service for each unit. There is no indication his unit was awarded this unit award. f. The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to unit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during the period of military operations against an armed enemy. There is no indication his unit was awarded this unit award. g. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to members who distinguish themselves by heroic or 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 U.S. is not a belligerent party. There are no orders on file awarding him the Bronze Star Medal with V Device. h. The bronze “V” device indicates acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy and authorizes the device in conjunction with awards of the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal. BOARD DISCUSSION: After reviewing the application and all supporting documents, the Board determined that partial relief was warranted. Based upon the documentary evidence provided by the applicant and found within the applicant’s service record, the Board concluded that the following awards were already awarded to the applicant and should be added to his DD Form 214: * Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal * Army Good Conduct Medal (First Award) * Valorous Unit Award * Meritorious Unit Commendation However, based that same documentary review, the Board found that the requested Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device was downgraded to an Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) with “V” Device; therefore, the Board recommended denying the portion of the application relating to the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device, but adding an additional ARCOM w/V Device. Additionally, the Board found no evidence either provided by the applicant or within the military service record to show that the applicant was ever submitted for or received an Army Achievement Medal. For that reason, the Board also recommended denying that portion of the applicant’s request. Finally, although not specifically requested, the Board reviewed the discharge characterization and the service record of the applicant and determined that they would recommend that the applicant’s discharge characterization be upgraded to Honorable. BOARD VOTE: Mbr 1 Mbr 2 Mbr 3 : : : GRANT FULL RELIEF X X X GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF : : : GRANT FORMAL HEARING : : : DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: 1. The Board determined the evidence presented is sufficient to warrant a recommendation for partial relief. As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by adding: * Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device * Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal * Army Good Conduct Medal (First Award) * Valorous Unit Award * Meritorious Unit Commendation 2. Additionally, the Board determined the evidence presented and found within the military service recofrd of the applicant was sufficient to warrant a recommendation for additional relief. As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by upgrading the characterization of service to Honorable. 3. The Board further determined the evidence presented is insufficient to warrant a portion of the requested relief. As a result, the Board recommends denial of so much of the application that pertains to adding a Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device and an Army Achievement Medal. 4. Prior to closing the case, the Board noted the administrative note from the analyst of record below and recommended that change also be completed to more accurately depict the military service of the applicant. 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. ADMINISTRATIVE NOTE(S): A review of his service records shows he is authorized additional awards not listed on his DD Form 214. His DD Form 214 should be amended to add 2 bronze service stars to his already-awarded Iraq Campaign Medal. 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 (AR) 600-8-22 (Military Awards), currently in effect, prescribes the Army policy, criteria, and administrative instructions concerning individual military decorations. a. The Army Achievement Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or to any member of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation, who distinguished himself or herself by meritorious service or achievement of a lesser degree than required for award of the Army Commendation Medal. Effective 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined, the G-1 granted an exception to policy to award the Army Achievement Medal in a combat theater for noncombat meritorious achievement and service for the Global War on Terrorism era. Awards of decorations will be announced in permanent orders by the appropriate awards approval authority. b. The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal is authorized for award to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have participated in the Global War on Terrorism operations on active duty on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined having served 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days. Initial award of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal was limited to service members deployed abroad in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom in designated specific geographic areas of eligibility, including Kuwait. c. The Iraq Campaign Medal is authorized to individuals serving in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation New Dawn. The period of eligibility is on or after 19 March 2003 to 31 December 2011. One bronze service star will be worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the Iraq Campaign Medal for participation in each of the following designated service: * Liberation of Iraq (19 March 2003 to 1 May 2003) * Transition of Iraq (2 May 2003 to 28 June 2004) * Iraqi Governance (29 June 2004 to 15 December 2005) * National Resolution (16 December 2005 to 9 January 2007) * Iraqi Surge (10 January 2007 to 31 December 2008) * Iraqi Sovereignty (1 January 2009 to 31 August 2010) * New Dawn (1 September 2010 to 31 December 2011) d. The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves by their conduct, efficiency, and fidelity. Although there is no automatic entitlement to the Army Good Conduct Medal, disqualification must be justified. Any one of the following periods of continuous enlisted active Federal military service qualifies for award: * Each 3 years completed on or after 27 August 1940 * For first award only, 1 year served entirely during the period 7 December 1941 to 2 March 1946 * For first award only, upon termination of service on or after 27 June 1950 of less than 3 years but more than 1 year * For first award only, upon termination of service, on or after 27 June 1950, of less than 1 year when final separation was by reason of physical disability incurred in line of duty * For first award only, for those individuals who died before completing 1 year of active Federal service if the death occurred in the line of duty e. The Valorous Unit Award is awarded for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict in which the United States is not a belligerent party for actions occurring on or after 3 August 1963. This award requires a lesser degree of gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps than required for the Presidential Unit Citation. f. The Meritorious Unit Commendation (previously called the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque) is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services for at least 6 continuous months during the period of military operations against an armed enemy occurring on or after 1 January 1944. Service in a combat zone is not required, but must be directly related to the combat effort. Units based in the continental United States are excluded from this award, as are other units outside the area of operations. Only on rare occasions will a unit larger than a battalion qualify for award of this decoration. For services performed during World War II, awards would be made only to service units and only for services performed between 1 January 1944 and 15 September 1946. Effective 1 March 1961, the Meritorious Unit Commendation was authorized for units and/or detachments for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least 6 continuous months in support of military operations. Service(s), as used in this paragraph, is interpreted to relate to combat service support type activities and not to the type of activities performed by senior headquarters, combat, or combat support units. Effective 11 September 2001, the Meritorious Unit Commendation is also authorized for combat arms and combat support units and/or detachments. g. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to members who distinguish themselves by heroic or 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 U.S. is not a belligerent party. h. The bronze “V” device indicates acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy and authorizes the device in conjunction with awards of the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal. ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20170011878 13 1