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

Docket No. 654-19 
Ref: Signature Date 

Dear : 
 
This is in reference to your application of 25 November 2018 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 has been denied. 
 
A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 20 February 2020.  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.  The Board also considered an advisory opinion (AO) from Headquarters Marine Corps Military Awards Branch (HQMC), which is enclosed for your reference. 
 
You enlisted in the Marine Corps and began a period of active service on 20 March 1952.  At the end or your active obligated service on 19 March 1955, you were discharged at the rank of Private First Class with an honorable characterization of service.  The Board, in its review of the entire record, carefully weighed all the evidence submitted on your behalf, as well as your contention that you were told by your Sergeant that you would receive a heroic medal for saving the life of your fellow Marine as well as preventing two aircraft from being severely damaged. 
 
As part of the review process, HQMC reviewed your record and provided the Board an AO dated 14 February 2020.  Unfortunately, HQMC found no evidence that you were ever nominated for or awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) for your actions during the War.  The Board sympathized with the facts and circumstances in your case, but ultimately determined that your request does not merit relief. 
 
In their AO, HQMC outlined the detailed steps you would need to take to be considered for a personal decoration.  Consistent with the procedures described in SECNAV M-1650.1 (Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual) Chapter 8 and Appendix 8A, the AO states that the only way you can be considered for an award is if you submit an administratively complete award nomination to HQMC through a member of Congress under the provisions of 10 U.S.C. §1130.  The Section 1130 procedures are described in both the AO and the Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual.  Additionally, the Board determined that your actions as you described in your personal statement are potentially better suited for consideration for the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (N/MCM).  The Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual states that the N/MCM is awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with the enemy.  For acts of lifesaving, or attempted lifesaving, it is required that the action be performed at the risk of one’s own life. 
 
The Board sincerely appreciates, respects, and commends you for your honorable and faithful service during your military career.  However, 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,