DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 
            
Docket No:  1802-19 
Ref: Signature date 
 
Dear : 
 
This is in reference to your application of 24 January 2019 for correction of your naval record pursuant to Title 10, United States Code, Section 1552.  After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) found that the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.  Consequently, your application was denied. 
 
Although your application was not filed in a timely manner, the Board found it in the interest of justice to waive the statute of limitations and consider your application on its merits.  A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 28 October 2019.  The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.  Your allegations of error and injustice were reviewed in accordance with administrative regulations and procedures applicable to the proceedings of this Board.  Documentary material considered by the Board consisted of your application, together with all material submitted in support thereof, relevant portions of your naval record, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies.  In addition, the Board considered the advisory opinion of 17 July 2019 and your daughters’ letter response of 10 October 2019.   
 
You enlisted in the Marine Corps and began a period of active duty on 31 October 1950.  From 7 May 1951-10 April 1952, you participated in actions on South and Central   fronts.  You were separated with an honorable characterization of service on 7 October 1953. 
 
The Board carefully weighed all factors in your case including your desire to be awarded the Purple Heart Medal.  The Board considered your assertions that you were injured on 15 September 1951 with shrapnel wounds to your right forearm and were treated for those wounds by a Navy corpsman.  You provided documents to establish that you were in theater and attached to , .  The Board also considered your assertions that you left the military with scars on your right forearm, as documented in your exit physical and were rated as combat-related injuries by the Department of Veterans Affairs for scars caused by penetrating shrapnel.  Also, the Board considered your assertion that when the Combat Action Ribbon was awarded, you received a document that also indicated he earned a Purple Heart Medal.  The Board noted that there is no record of any such document in your official records. 
 
The criteria service members must meet to be awarded a Purple Heart Medal are rigorous.  The Board concluded that you factors and assertions were not sufficient to warrant a change to your record.  HQ US Marine Corps submitted an opinion that DoD policy requires that only wounds treated by a medical officer qualify for the Purple Heart Medal.  There is no record of your wound being treated by a medical officer.  The Board commends and thanks you for your service. 
 
It is regretted that the circumstances of your case are such that favorable action cannot be taken.  You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon the submission of new matters, which will require you to complete and submit a new DD Form 149.  New matters are those not previously presented to or considered by the Board.  In this regard, it is important to keep in mind that a presumption of regularity attaches to all official records.  Consequently, when applying for a correction of an official naval record, the burden is on the applicant to demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice. 
 
Sincerely,