IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 11 August 2023 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20230001854 APPLICANT REQUESTS: correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) for the period ending 12 January 1980 to show he was entitled and awarded the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM). APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * DD Form 214 for the period ending 12 January 1980 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 believes he is entitled to the ARCOM when he left the service. This award is not reflected on his DD Form 214. 3. The applicant s service records reflects three DD Form 214 s, none of which reflects the ARCOM award. 4. His service record does not show nor does he provide orders that show he was recommended or/and awarded the ARCOM during any time during his military service. 5. His DA Form 20 does not reflect the ARCOM; however, it does show he served in Korea for 12 months from 28 May 1974 through 27 May 1975; therefore, he should have been awarded the Korea Defense Service Medal. This award is not listed on his DD Form 214. 6. His last DD Form 214 for the period ending 12 January 1980 shows he was honorably discharged. He completed 4 years and 10 months net active service this period with 2 years and 1 month of total prior active service and 6 months and 19 days of total prior inactive service. Item 12f (Foreign Service) reflects 3 years, 1 month, and 14 days. This document does not reflect the ARCOM or the KDSM awards. The KDSM will be administratively corrected and will not be discussed in these proceedings. BOARD DISCUSSION: After reviewing the application, all supporting documents, and the evidence found within the military record, the Board found that relief was not warranted. The Board carefully considered the applicant s contentions, the military record, and regulatory guidance. Documentation available for review is insufficient to show that the applicant was awarded the ARCOM nor did he provide any on his own behalf. Based on the preponderance of the documentation available for review, the Board determined the evidence presented insufficient to warrant a recommendation for relief. BOARD VOTE: Mbr 1 Mbr 2 Mbr 3 : : : GRANT FULL RELIEF : : : GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF : : : GRANT FORMAL HEARING :xx :xx :xx DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The Board determined 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. 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): A review of the applicant s records shows he is authorized an additional award not listed on his DD Form 214 for the period ending 12 January 1980. As a result, amend his DD Form 214 for the period ending on 12 January 1980 by adding the KDSM. 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 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 600-8-22 (Military Awards) prescribes Army policy, criteria, and administrative instructions concerning individual and unit military awards. The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any service 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. Award may be made to a member of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation who, after 1 June 1962, distinguishes himself or herself by an act of heroism, extraordinary achievement, or meritorious service, which has been of mutual benefit to a friendly nation and the United States. As with all personal decorations, formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement in orders are required. 3. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) in effect at the time, states that the DD Form 214 will reflect the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time the records were created. The purpose of the separation document is to provide the individual with documentary evidence of his or her military service at the time of release from active duty, retirement, or discharge. It is important that information entered on the form be complete and accurate and reflects the conditions as they existed at the time of separation. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20230001854 1 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1