ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


		IN THE CASE OF: 

		BOARD DATE:  30 May 2019

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20170013494


APPLICANT REQUESTS:  award of the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM).


APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD:

*	DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record under the Provisions 
of Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1552)
*	Self-Authored Memorandum to the Army Review Boards Agency, dated 4 July 
2017
*	U.S. Army Vietnam (USARV) Form 157 (Recommendation for Decoration for 
Valor or Merit), dated 15 September 1967
*	Official Correspondence Envelope from Headquarters, 4th Transportation 
Command, Vietnam

FACTS:

1.  The applicant did not file within the 3-year time frame as provided in Title 10, 
U.S. Code, section 1552(b); however, the Army Board for Correction of Military Records 
(ABCMR) 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 recommended for award of the ARCOM for his 
accomplishments while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 
4th Transportation Command, in Vietnam during the period 27 October 1966 to 
14 August 1967.  When he separated from the Army in 1968, he received a copy of the 
Recommendation for Decoration for Valor or Merit, but did not receive the award.

3.  His DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) shows he served with the 
4th Transportation Command in Vietnam from 19 October 1966 to 18 October 1967.  He 
participated in two campaigns during this period.

4.  He provided a USARV Form 157, dated 15 September 1967, showing he was 
recommended for award of the ARCOM for meritorious service as a personnel 
management specialist in the Command Personnel Branch, Adjutant General Division, 
4th Transportation Command, during the period of 19 October 1966 to 14 August 1967.  
The recommendation was initiated and signed by the 4th Transportation Command 
Adjutant on 15 September 1967.

5.  His records do not contain orders awarding him the ARCOM.

6.  He was honorably released from active duty on 8 May 1968.  He completed 2 years 
of total active service.  His DD Form 214 shows he was awarded or authorized the:

*	National Defense Service Medal
*	Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960)
*	Vietnam Service Medal
*	Marksman Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar (M-14)
*	Army Good Conduct Medal (1st Award)

BOARD DISCUSSION:

After reviewing the application and all supporting evidence, the Board found that full 
relief was warranted.  In addition to the administrative notes found by the analyst of 
record, in addition to the applicant’s evidence of an Army Commendation with V device 
recommendation signed by the Adjutant General on 15 September 1967 for detailed 
meritorious achievements during a ten-month tour in Vietnam and nothing but 
excellence marks on his DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record), the Board 
recommended full relief to the applicant. 


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:

In addition to the administrative notes annotated by the Analyst of Record (below the 
signature), the Board determined the evidence presented demonstrates 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 
by:

1.  issuing the applicant an Army Commendation medal Certificate with inclusive dates 
“19 Oct 66 – 14 Aug 67”.

2.  adding the Army Commendation Medal to the applicant’s DD Form 214, item 24 
(Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons 
Awarded or Authorized) effective 8 May 1968.


 
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):  His DD Form 214 does not show he was authorized two 
bronze service stars with the already-awarded Vietnam Service Medal or award of the 
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.



REFERENCES:

1.  Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of 
military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged error or 
injustice.  This provision of law also allows the ABCMR to excuse an applicant's failure 
to timely file within the 3-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) provides the Army policy, criteria, and 
administrative instructions concerning individual military decorations and unit 
decorations.  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 are required.

3.  Department of the Army General Orders Number 8, dated 19 March 1974, confirmed 
award of the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation to 
Headquarters, U.S. Military Assistance Command, and its subordinate units during the 
period 8 February 1962 to 28 March 1973 and to Headquarters, U.S. Army Vietnam, 
and its subordinate units during the period 20 July 1965 to 28 March 1973.

//NOTHING FOLLOWS//

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)	AR20170013494


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