ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


	IN THE CASE OF:

	BOARD DATE:  2 August 2019

	DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20170012753


APPLICANT REQUESTS:  correction of his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM).

APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: 

* DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record)
* ARCOM Certificate
* DD Form 214 for the period ending on 26 June 1970

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 the ARCOM is not listed on his DD Form 214.  He received this award in 31 December 1968, while assigned to Fort Hood, TX.

3.  The applicant provides a copy of an ARCOM certificate, without a general order number and a citation.  The certificate states the award was for meritorious service in Vietnam during the period from December 1967 to November 1968.  The certificate was signed by Major General X__ on 31 December 1968.

4.  Review of the applicant’s service record shows:

	a.  He enlisted in the Regular Army on 27 June 1967.  He served in Vietnam from 5 December 1967 to 30 November 1968, in military occupational specialty 91B (Medical Specialist).

	b.  Item 41 (Awards and Decorations) of his DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) lists the ARCOM, pending, 30 October 1968.

	c.  He was honorably released from active duty on 26 June 1970 and was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve Control Group.  His DD Form 214 shows he completed 3 years of active service.  This forms also shows he was awarded/authorized the:

* National Defense Service Medal
* Army Good Conduct Medal
* Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars
* Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
* Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Pistol and Rifle Bars

5.  By regulation, award of the ARCOM 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 found the relief was warranted.  The applicant’s contentions were carefully considered.  He provided an ARCOM Certificate to show he was awarded the medal.  The Board determined the certificate was sufficient evidence to grant relief.

BOARD VOTE:

Mbr 1	Mbr 2	Mbr 3

X	X	X	GRANT FULL RELIEF

:	:	:	GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF

:	:	:	GRANT FORMAL HEARING

:	:	:	DENY APPLICATION



BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

The Board determined the evidence presented is sufficient to warrant a recommendation for relief.  As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by amending his DD Form 214 for the period ending 26 June 1970 by adding the Army Commendation Medal,
	 
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) prescribes Army policy, criteria, and administrative instructions concerning individual and unit military awards.  The Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) is awarded to any Service 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.  Award of the ARCOM is done through military orders and a certificate.  

//NOTHING FOLLOWS//

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)	 AR20170012753


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