IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 25 February 2022 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20210013248 APPLICANT REQUESTS: correction of his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge), ending on 29 May 1969 to reflect award of the Army Good Conduct Medal. APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * DD Form 214, ending on 29 May 1969 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 he would like to be recognized with the Army Good Conduct Medal. 3. A review of the applicant's record reflects: a. On 25 October 1967, the applicant was inducted to the Army of the United States as a 91B (Medical Specialist). b. On 29 May 1969, the applicant was honorably released from active duty. He completed 1 year, 7 months, and 5 days of net service. DD Form 214, item 24 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) – * National Defense Service Medal * Bronze Star Medal * Combat Medical Badge * Vietnam Service Medal * Vietnam Campaign Medal * Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar (M-14) * 2 Overseas Bars 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. The Board agreed evidence of record shows the applicant served over a year without record of court-martial. The Board also agreed the applicant is authorized the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation for his service in Vietnam. 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 awarding him the Army Good Conduct Medal (1st Award) for exemplary conduct and efficiency from 25 October 1967 to 29 May 1969, and adding the Army Good Conduct medal (1st Award) and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross to his DD Form 214 for the period ending 29 May 1969. 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) states the Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves by their conduct, efficiency, and fidelity. Although there is no automatic entitlement to the Army Good Conduct Medal, disqualification must be justified. Any one of the following periods of continuous enlisted active Federal military service qualifies for award: * Each 3 years completed on or after 27 August 1940 * For first award only, 1 year served entirely during the period 7 December 1941 to 2 March 1946 * For first award only, upon termination of service on or after 27 June 1950 of less than 3 years but more than 1 year * For first award only, upon termination of service, on or after 27 June 1950, of less than 1 year when final separation was by reason of physical disability incurred in line of duty //NOTHING FOLLOWS//