DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY  
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS  
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001  
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490  

Docket No: 8-17  
JUL 1 9 2017  



This is in reference to your application for correction ofyour naval record pursuant to the provisions oftitle 10 ofthe United States Code, section 1552. Although your application was not filed in a timely manner, the Board found it in the interest of justice to waive the statute oflimitations and consider your application on its merits. A three­member panel ofthe Board for Correction ofNaval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 17 April 2017. The names and votes ofthe members ofthe panel will be furnished upon request. Your allegations oferror and injustice were reviewed in accordance with administrative regulations and procedures applicable to the proceedings ofthis Board. Documentary material considered by the Board consisted ofyour application, together with all material submitted in support thereof, your naval record, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. 
Regarding your request for a personal appearance, the Board determined that a personal appearance with or without counsel will not materially add to their understanding ofthe issue(s) involved. Therefore, the Board determined that a personal appearance was not necessary and considered your case based on the evidence ofrecord. 

You began a period ofactive duty in the Marine Corps on 27 April 1960 and served until you were honorably discharged on 26 April 1964. You earned a Good Conduct Medal as a result of your four years ofhonorable service. You indicate that , your spouse, assisted 
you with the submission ofan application for correction to your record to include adding documentation that recognizes contribution to and participation in combat operations in Vietnam, correcting the dates ofyour leave on your DD Form 214, and including a recognition ofPost­Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in your service records. 

After careful and conscientious consideration ofthe entire record, the Board found the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence ofprobable material or injustice. The Board considered the detailed personal statement that you provided in support ofyour application. The Board carefully reviewed your statement regarding your duty as Instructor, Schools Battalion from 22 November 1963 to 14 January 1964. The Board noted your detailed account you provided about operating a Hawse 6 during the time period; you state that your tractor took a mortar hit and shrapnel became embedded in your left ship. You state that you lost your fellow Marine, a private name during the ground fight. 

further noted that your record is absent ofentries regarding combat history, expeditions, or awards for service in Vietnam. Your record reflects annual leave from 18 December 1963, through 20 December 1963; and your DD Form214 reflects a lump sum leave settlement paid for 23 days. You indicate that you were accompanying your fellow Marine's body home for services during that period, and request correction to your record to reflect accurate dates of leave. The Board applied the presumption of regularity, found that your statement alone was insufficient to establish participation in combat operations in Vietnam, inaccuracy in your leave records, or merit issuances ofawards for combat or wounds sustained in enemy engagement. Should you have other supporting information that can corroborate in the information in your statement, such as statements from fellow Marines with whom you served with in Vietnam, the Board would reconsider your request for correction. 

The Board also noted that your application to the Board raises the issue of PTSD. Your assertion of suffering from PTSD was fully and carefully considered by the Board in light of the Secretary ofDefense's Memorandum, "Supplemental Guidance to Military Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records Considering Discharge Upgrade Request by Veterans Claiming Post Traumatic Stress Disorder" of3 September 2014. In accordance with the guidance, the Board gives liberal and special consideration to treatment documentation of PTSD symptoms and medical determinations ofthe existence ofservice connected PTSD. 

It is regretted that the circumstances ofyour case are such that favorable action cannot be taken at this time. You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon the submission of new and material evidence. New evidence is evidence not previously considered by the Board. In this regard, it is important to keep in mind that a presumption ofregularity attaches to all official records. Consequently, when applying for a correction ofan official naval record, the burden is on the applicant to demonstrate the existence ofprobable material error or injustice. 

Sincerely, 


Executive Director