IN THE CASE OF: 

		BOARD DATE:  20 October 2022

		DOCKET NUMBER: AR20220005581


APPLICANT REQUESTS: correction of his DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from 
Active Duty) to show award of the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM).

APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD:

*	DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record)
*	Veteran's Service Officer Letter, 17 February 2022
*	ARCOM citation
*	ARCOM certificate
*	Letter of Appreciation

FACTS:

1.  The applicant did not file within the three-year time frame provided in Title 10, United 
States 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 was inducted into the Army of the United States on 26 October 1972.

3.  He was honorably released from active duty on 21 October 1974. He completed 
1 year, 11 months and 26 days total active service with 1 year, 5 months and 6 days 
foreign service. The DD Form 214 he was issued shows he was awarded or authorized 
the:

*	National Defense Service Medal
*	Army Good Conduct Medal
*	Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Hand Grenade Bar
*	Marksman Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar (M-16)

4.  The applicant provides a copy of the ARCOM certificate and citation he received for 
meritorious service during the period May 1973 to August 1974. Neither document 
contains a permanent order number.

5.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states 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.


BOARD DISCUSSION:

1.  After reviewing the application, all supporting documents, and the evidence found 
within the military record, the Board found relief is warranted. 

2. In the absence of orders announcing award of the ARCOM to the applicant, the 
Board accepted the ARCOM citation and certificate as sufficient evidence to confirm he 
received this award. The Board determined the ARCOM should be added to his DD 
Form 214.


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 adding the ARCOM to his 
DD Form 214.

		  
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, United States 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 states 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.

//NOTHING FOLLOWS//
ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)	 AR20220005581


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ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


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