IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 6 July 2020 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20190009469 APPLICANT REQUESTS: reconsideration of his previous request to have his Bronze Star Medal (BSM) added to his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * Self Authored letter * Letter from Major (Retired) D_ * Bronze Star Medal Certificate * Bronze Star Medal Citation * DD Form 214 FACTS: 1. Incorporated herein by reference are military records which were summarized in the previous consideration of the applicant's case by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) in Docket Number AR20120007728 on 14 March 2013. 2. The applicant states that his BSM received while serving in Vietnam from January to December of 1970 with the 5th Infantry Division is not listed on his DD Form 214, and he would like to have it added for future family records. While serving in Vietnam, he was awarded both the BSM and the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB). He contests that it was a hostile environment in America when he was discharged from the Army. His DD Form 214 was placed in a safe and never looked at again. It was not until post- 9/11 that America’s attitude changed for the better as it pertained to those that served in the military. In 2007, after attending a Vietnam reunion, he initiated action to have his Army records corrected. 3. A review of the applicant’s available service records reflects the following: a. On 25 August 1969 he was inducted into the United States Army. b. From 11 January – 4 December 1970 he served in Vietnam. c. On 24 August 1971 he was released from active duty and transferred into the United States Army Reserve (Annual Training). d. During his military service he was awarded the following decorations, medals and or badges - * National Defense Service Medal * Vietnam Service Medal * Combat Infantryman Badge * Army Commendation Medal * Vietnam Campaign Medal (with 1960 device) * Two (2) Overseas Service Bars 4. The applicant submitted the following: a. Letter from Major (Retired) D_ reflective of his previous service as the applicant’s platoon leader and commander while serving in Vietnam with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion 77th Armor Division. He further provides that the applicant served honorably and meritoriously in operations against hostile fire during this period. b. Bronze Star Medal Certificate reflective of him being recognized on 9 November 1970 for his meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces in the Republic of Vietnam from January 1970 through January 1971. c. Bronze Star Medal Citation corresponding with the above certificate wherein it states that the applicant consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. His rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a combat environment greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. Further noted is that he contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States mission in the Republic of Vietnam. His loyalty diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. d. DD Form 214 reflective of his service on active duty from 25 August 1969 through 24 August 1971. Item 22c reflects 10 months and 24 days of service in Vietnam during this period. A list of the awards received during this period may be found in paragraph 3d above. 5. A review of the Awards and Decorations Computer-Assisted Retrieval System (ADCARS), an index of general orders issued during the Vietnam era between 1965 and 1973 maintained by the U.S. Army Human Resources Command Military Awards Branch, failed to reveal orders for the BSM pertaining to the applicant. 6. On 14 March 2013 on Docket Number AR20120007728 the Board denied his request for correction of his DD Form 214 to reflect award of the BSM citing that there were no orders or other corroborating evidence in the applicant's record or within ADCARS, and the applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence that confirmed that he was awarded a BSM. 7. See applicable regulatory guidance below under REFERENCES. BOARD DISCUSSION: 1. After reviewing the application and all supporting documents, the Board found the requested relief is warranted. 2. The Board considered the statement from the applicant's former platoon leader and the Bronze Star Medal Certificate and Citation he provided. The certificate is signed by a proper authority, and the period of service described matches his service in Vietnam. The Board determined the certificate and citation, in the absence of orders, are sufficient as a basis for adding the Bronze Star Medal to his DD Form 214. BOARD VOTE: Mbr 1 Mbr 2 Mbr 3 : : : 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 adding the Bronze Star Medal to his DD Form 214 for the period ending 24 August 1971. 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: Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) provides that the Bronze Star Medal (BSM) is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Armed Forces of the United States, or a friendly foreign nation, after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself 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 United States is not a belligerent party. Awards made by the President, the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF), and the Secretary of the Army (SECARMY) will be announced in Army General Orders. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20190009469 4 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1