IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 11 January 2022 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20210008709 APPLICANT REQUESTS: correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active), for the period ending 27 April 1986, to show award of the Army Commendation Medal. APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149, ACTS online Application Summary * DD Form 214, ending on 27 April 1986 * Army Commendation Medal Certificate, dated 15 October 1986 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 (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 that he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal while assigned to the Morale Support Activities Directorate from 4 April 1984 to 26 April 1986. His Army Commendation Medal was awarded on 15 October 1986; six months after his discharge. 3. The applicant's service record shows: a. On 14 May 1980, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Army. b. DA Form 2-1 (Personnel Qualification Record) shows in: (1) Item 9 (Awards, Decorations and Campaigns) – * Army Service Ribbon * Overseas Service Ribbon * Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon * Driver and Mechanic Badge * Army Good Conduct Medal * Army Achievement Medal * Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar (M-16) * Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar (2) Item 35 (Current and Previous Assignments) shows from on or about 13 February 1984 to on or about 27 April 1986, he was assigned to Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Sheridan, IL, as a truck driver/senior vehicle operator. c. DD Form 214, ending on 27 April 1986, shows the applicant was honorably released from active duty. Item 13 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) – * Army Achievement Medal * Army Good Conduct Medal * Army Service Ribbon * Overseas Service Ribbon * Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon * Driver and Mechanic Badge – W Bar * Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar (M-16) * Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar d. The applicant's records are void of orders awarding him the Army Commendation Medal. 4. The applicant provides an Army Commendation Medal Certificate, dated 15 October 1986, showing the award was received for meritorious service from 4 April 1984 to 26 April 1986 while assigned as the auto shop manager for Morale Support Activities, Directorate for Personnel and Community Activities, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Sheridan, IL. BOARD DISCUSSION: After reviewing the application, all supporting documents, and the evidence found within the military record, the Board found that relief was warranted. The applicant's contentions, the military record, and regulatory guidance were carefully considered. Board members noted that despite the absence of permanent orders, the applicant provides an Army Commendation Medal Certificate, dated 15 October 1986, showing the award was received for meritorious service from 4 April 1984 to 26 April 1986 while assigned as the auto shop manager for Morale Support Activities, Directorate for Personnel and Community Activities, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Sheridan, IL. The period of service shown on the certificate so consistent with his service and level of responsibility. Board members voted 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 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active), for the period ending 27 April 1986, to show award of 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 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 that 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. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20210008709 4 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1