ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS BOARD DATE: 30 September 2019 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20180014261 APPLICANT REQUESTS: in effect, correction of his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) for the period ending 20 September 1968, by showing all of the training he performed. APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * DD Form 214 * 6-page self-authored statement * Letter Order 11-121 * Item 38 (Record of Assignments), DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) 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, in effect, his DD Form 214 does not show what he did in Korea, only that he was assigned there. It fails to show his training at the advanced combat training academy and duties as a reconnaissance sergeant who served on the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). He has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which he believes is from Agent Orange used in Korea on the DMZ. The Department of Veterans Affairs told him to get on the Agent Orange list, but is now under appeal after being rejected. 3. The applicant was inducted into the Army of the United States on 22 September 1966. He completed basic combat and advanced individual training and he was awarded military occupational specialty 13B (Field Artillery Crewman). 4. The applicant was honorably released from active duty upon his expiration term of service on 20 September 1968. The DD Form 214 he was issued shows he served 1 year, 11 months and 29 days total active service with 1 year, 1 month and 12 days foreign and/or sea service in Korea. Item 25 (Education and Training Completed) shows he completed: * 12 years GED – High School Equivalent * Code of Conduct * ATP 21-114 * CBR Training * SE&E 5. His service records do not contain certificates or diplomas confirming his attendance and successful completion of any other training courses which would be eligible for inclusion on his DD Form 214. 6. The applicant provides: a. Item 38 of his DA Form 20 which shows he performed duty as a cannoneer, reconnaissance sergeant, and chief of section while assigned to Battery C, 7th Battalion, 17th Artillery, Korea. b. A portion of Letter Order 11-121, 2nd Infantry Division, dated 30 November 1967, which shows he was to attend Division Redeye School for 6 days on or about 4 December 1967. c. A self-authored statement recapping his service in which he highlights: * Completing Advanced Combat Training Academy (Imjin Scout Patch) * Patrolling and engaging the enemy along the DMZ 7. The purpose of the separation document is to provide the individual with documentary evidence of their military service. The applicable regulation states to enter service schools, including dates and major courses which were successfully completed; this entry includes military sponsored courses completed in civilian schools and colleges during the period of the DD Form 214 being prepared. BOARD DISCUSSION: 1. After reviewing the application and all supporting documents, the Board found the requested relief is not warranted. 2. The Board agreed there was insufficient evidence to support a recommendation to correct his DD Form 214 to show he had completed additional training. The Board did note that he is authorized awards for his service in Korea, which are addressed in administrative notes below. 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. The Board notes the items not requiring Board action listed in the administrative notes below, and asks that the staff of the ABCMR address those items. 11/27/2019 X 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): The applicant served in Korea during a period for which he is authorized the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Korea Defense Service Medal. Correct his DD Form 214 to show these awards. 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 635-5 (Separation Documents), in effect at the time, establishes the standardized policy for preparing and distributing the DD Form 214. The purpose of the separation document is to provide the individual with documentary evidence of their military service. It states for item 25, enter service schools, including dates and major courses which were successfully completed; this entry includes military sponsored courses completed in civilian schools and colleges during the period of the DD Form 214 being prepared. This entry includes the highest civilian education level acquired during this period of military service, if appropriate. For enlisted personnel, enter installation training courses, military correspondence courses, and off-duty courses the enlisted person has completed successfully during the period covered by the DD Form 214 being prepared. 3. Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) provides the criteria for awards and decorations that may be awarded to Soldiers. a. The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is authorized for service in Korea during the period 1 October 1966 to 30 June 1974. b. The Korea Defense Service Medal is authorized for 30 consecutive or 60 non- consecutive days of service in Korea from 28 July 1954 to a date to be determined by the Secretary of Defense.