ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 28 June 2019 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20170012527 APPLICANT REQUESTS: a correction of his DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States) to reflect the Army Commendation Medal. APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * Commendation Letter * DD Form 214 * DD Form 215 (Correction to Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States) 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 his DD Form 214 does not reflect that he received the Army Commendation Medal. He just recently found documentation, a commendation letter from Maj X__. 3. The applicant provides a commendation letter, dated 7 April 1953, from his commander which references his performance as field mess sergeant during a two week bivouac for D Company, 200th Infantry during the period from 23 March 1953 to 4 April 1953. He was commended highly for the extraordinary performance of duty which resulted in the operation of superior field mess. The officers and men of company “D” were highly complimentary of the preparation, cleanliness, and serving of food while in the field. His performance was above average and was in keeping with standards desired in the military service. His supervisor knew that his enlistment term was expiring and he would return to civilian life and recommended him as a reliable, conscientious, and hard-working young man. 4. Review of the applicant’s service records shows: a. The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 5 May 1950 (shown as 5 May 1953 on his DD Form 214). b. His DA Form 20 (Soldier's Qualification Record) shows he held military occupational specialty 62 (Cook). c. He served overseas for a period of 1 year and 3 days. He was assigned to Battery C, 17th Field Artillery Battalion, d. On 5 May 1953, he was honorably discharged from active duty. He completed 3 years of active service. His DD Form 214 shows in: * Item 10 (Date of Birth) - X X__ 19XX * Item 14 (Selective Service Local Board Number City, County, State) – omitted local board number * Item 19 (Date of Entry Into Active Service) – 5 May 1953 * Item 27 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) shows the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars and United Nations Service Medal e. On 19 October 1955, he was issued a DD Form 215, which corrected: * Item 10 (Date of Birth) – X X__ 19XX * Item 14 (Selective Service Local Board Number) – Local Board #53 Appleton Waupaca, Wisconsin * Item 19 (Date and Place of Entry Into Active Service) – 5 May 1950, Milwaukee, Wisconsin f. His DA Form 1577 (Authorization for Issuance of Awards), dated 8 June 1999, indicated he was authorized the Army Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars and the United Nations Service Medal. g. NPRC provided a letter, dated 23 October 2017, which stated his military record was located in the area that suffered the most damage in the fire that occurred on 12 July 1973 and that fortunately a portion of the record was among those recovered. 5. By regulation, award of the Army Commendation Medal requires a formal recommendation, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders. 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 service record, the Board concluded there was insufficient evidence from a proper authoritative document (i.e. orders), to show that the applicant was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. 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. 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 Army Commendation Medal 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 are required. ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20170012527 3 1