If I discharge him will it let me get another one to replace him?

Not sure. The accolade triggers the mission to go get him, I somehow doubt the trigger would reset itself upon discharge of the officer. But why would you want to discharge and get him again?

To not have to pay the 3000 merit to rename him a second time.

don't dismiss him and take the chance on not getting him back.

If his name is your issue, just ignore it and before you know it you will have more merit points than you know what to do with. then you can rename him

If you dismiss him, he is gone.
And 3000 merits is a few hours of mission grinding, tops. Be patient.

Yep, he'll just sit there I guess. Thanks for the info everyone.

Special BOffs are almost always going to be one time opportunities, don't toss'em unless you're absolutely sure you no longer want them.

Better yet, find them a nice home on another ship, if you can.