Can I update DD214 with interim award memo?

2024-01-17T02:34:07-05:00

I recently ETS’d and my previous unit was recently awarded an Army Superior Unit Award for our response to Covid a few years ago; however, my specific unit was left unlisted on the permanent orders. I found out from my previous unit that there is an interim award memo with my unit listed. Is this adequate enough to update my DD-214?

Response by COL Randall C. made Jan 17 at 2024 7:05 AM

2024-01-17T07:05:05-05:00

"Interim unit award"? You might be using the wrong terminology as interim awards are for individuals. For unit awards, there is recommendation and final award. Everything else between is "the approval process".

Was there a subsequent Army General Order (AGO) or Permanent Order (PO) which added your previous unit to the ASU order? If so, then the answer is yes. If not, then you'll have to wait until an AGO/PO is published. If the ASU award order had an administrative oversight (i.e., units A, B, D, E, F and they forgot to list C) then the change is usually a simple process (revoke the earlier order or issue an addendum).

Your first step should be to see if there is an AGO/PO issued that covers your unit*. If you can't locate one, then contact HRC's Awards Branch and see if there is one that is approved, but hasn't been entered into the records yet*.

If you do have a copy of the AGO or PO adding your unit to the permanent award, then it's as simple as including that with your request for a correction from HRC* (you said you were recently discharged).

If your records have already been archived by HRC (this applies to those Army individuals who were discharged prior to October 1, 2002), then you would do an online application to the ABCMR*. As it's an administrative correction (as opposed to a review and judgement), it should be quick ... well, 'quick' when compared to something needing a board decision (which could take over a year).

Note: Since FEB 22, The National Archives no longer generate DD-215s and all requests go through your service.
---------------------------------------------------
* https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Correction%20to%20Veterans%20Military%20Records
* https://www.hrc.army.mil/wcmt-api/sites/default/wcmtfiles/files/18114_0.pdf
* https://arba.army.pentagon.mil/online-application.html
* https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/133601p.pdf

HRC

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jan 17 at 2024 10:12 AM

2024-01-17T10:12:01-05:00

No, you cannot. I think it is NARA that can issue a DD-215 with the additional award.

Response by MSgt Paul Stout made Feb 1 at 2024 8:09 AM

2024-02-01T08:09:36-05:00

Was awarded a medal on my last day of service. For whatever reason it does not appear on my DD 214. I have a copy of award write-up and picture of the award being present by the General and Commander of the base at that time. Can it be added with the documents that I have?