Does anyone know how to submit an award (Navy Achievement Medal) for a service member that has been medically retired for over 10 years?

GySgt Bill Smith — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:15:40 -0400

Lcpl Mike Delancey was paralyzed by sniper during his last deployment in Haditha Iraq in 2006. He served 2 combat tours for his country and I feel he has never received the proper recognition for it. Link to story about Mike https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/mission/meet-a-warrior/mike-delancey.aspx.

The resource cannot be found.

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Apr 19 at 2016 12:19 PM

SPC Andrew Griffin — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:19:28 -0400

I'm not to sure brother! I would love to help!

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2016 12:20 PM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:20:43 -0400

Not sure but you can try MILPERCEN in St. Louis they might know

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2016 12:22 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:22:16 -0400

Tried to do a brief search for you but couldn't find anything.

SSgt, did you check with your CoC or even admin dept? They may have a way to get the information for you.
Also, check with the state where that person resides and see if they do honor veterans with awards/medals (In this case, NAM).

Also, check with the VA.

Just off the top of my head without going into severe research.

Good luck to you!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2016 12:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:24:32 -0400

I don't know about the Navy specifically, but according to regs any person can recommend anyone for an award who has knowledge of the event. I know for things like the Combat action Badge and certain valor awards there are sworn statements and other supporting documents. The hard part may be finding people to provide those statements, hopefully officers or NCOs that are still active if possible.

Response by SFC Wade W. made Apr 19 at 2016 12:26 PM

SFC Wade W. — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:26:08 -0400

We know that awards have been given long after people have separated but usually those award recommendations were done while the person was still serving. I would talk to your Personnel Center and if you truly believe that the service member deserves the award you may want to get a Congressman or Senator involved. Especially if someone mentioned this when the incident happened but no action was taken.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 19 at 2016 1:34 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 13:34:53 -0400

Here is the excerpt right out of the Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST 1650.1H):

c. Time limits are three years for submitting most
personal military decorations and five years for awarding them.
Exceptions to this are the Distinguished Flying Cross, with time
limits of two years for submission and three years for awarding,
and the Purple Heart Medal and Combat Action Ribbon, which do
not have submission time limits. Awards may be considered
beyond these time limits under the following circumstances:

(1) If SECNAV determines an individual's superior
submitted an appropriately documented award recommendation
within the specified time limits, but the recommendation was not
acted upon due to inadvertent loss during processing.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Apr 19 at 2016 6:55 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 18:55:38 -0400

GySgt Bill Smith - Just some thoughts:

1.) I'm assuming by your profile that you're still active duty. It might be worth initiating contact with the Marine's former command. BnCO's and Regimental CO's can do "pocket" promotions & awards. Minimally, they could verify their dates in theater and the Marines connection to their unit.
2.) Also, if you are aware of the Marine's current residence, you might reach out to his Congressional and/or Senatorial representatives' offices. Tell him you're intent to recognize one of their constituents. Politicians can "pipeline" such things.
3.) Regulations for awards area applicable to active duty members. How many our own are being recognized ex-post-facto? A lot of recent Medal of Honor recipients have been decorated well after being handed their DD-214.
4.) Have your write-up and summary done before you start knocking doors down.

If there is a will, there is a way. I applaud you for trying to get this Devildog some recognition.