Trump subsequently ordered the Navy to return Gallagher's coveted Trident pin over the objections of military leaders, including then-Navy Secretary Richard Spencer, who resigned over the decision and accused Trump of undermining the military justice system and encouraging lawlessness in the ranks.

The president also drew widespread criticism for politicizing the issue by later bringing Golsteyn and Lorance on stage at a GOP fundraiser and feting Gallagher at a dinner at his Florida estate.

Now, Golsteyn's case is front-and-center again after Lt. Gen. Francis Beaudette, the commander of the Army Special Operations Command, last month denied the request to return his Special Forces Tab.

The tab, a green and yellow embroidered patch worn on the upper-left sleeve of the uniform, is earned after a soldier completes the Special Forces Qualification Course. It also allows them to wear a highly coveted green beret for the duration of their career.

"On Dec. 3, 2019, following a thorough review, the Commander of the Army Special Operations Command denied Golsteyn’s request for reinstatement of the Special Forces Tab," an Army spokesperson said in a statement Thursday.

The development was first reported by The Washington Post.

The next step, the statement said, is for the Army Board for Correction of Military Records to "consider retired Maj. Matthew Golsteyn’s request for reinstatement of the Special Forces Tab and the approval of the Distinguished Service Cross."

Golsteyn was awarded but never received the Distinguished Service Cross, a medal for valor, for separate actions.

The oversight board, which is made up of Army civilians, will also consider Golsteyn’s request to expunge a letter of reprimand issued in 2014 from his personnel record, the Army spokesperson added.

An fact sheet on the Army Board for Correction of Military Records states that "if the ABCMR grants relief the applicant’s records will be corrected and finance personnel will review the case to see if the applicant is due any monetary benefits."

"If the ABCMR denies relief," it adds, "an applicant may apply for reconsideration or may file a suit in the civilian court system."